Roberta M. Gilhuly

Roberta Ann Gilhuly (née Miller), age 90, of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on June 22, surrounded by her devoted children.

Known to all as Bobbie, she was born in New York City and raised between Pelham, New York, and the shores of Fairfield Beach. She was a longtime resident of Fairfield, CT; Stratton, Vermont and Harbor Ridge, Florida.

Bobbie was the daughter of Frederick and Florence Walsh Miller, and sister to Nancy Dolan and the late Judith “Judy” Sobocinski. Together, the “Miller Sisters” were known for their close bond and lifelong roles as partners in crime, conversation, and family fun. She attended Saint Gabriels High School and earned her B.A. in Education from The College of Mount Saint Vincent, a field that reflected her lifelong belief in the power of knowledge, the value of kindness, and the importance of the right way to do things.

A woman of effortless charm and impeccable hospitality, Bobbie was the ultimate hostess. The Gilhuly home on Barlow Road was the site of legendary gatherings: the infamous GIT (Gilhuly Invitational Tennis) tournament, countless engagement celebrations, family weddings, and her signature “intimate” Christmas sit-down dinners—for 47 guests—culminating in a roaring open house and late-night piano singalongs that often included accompaniment by beloved Father Tom Murphy S.J. and Father Larry O’Neil S.J. of Fairfield University. Many unforgettable evenings were set to the unmistakable sound of the the Lester Lanin Orchestra filling the house and were marked by dancing, laughter, and the band’s iconic tossing of monogrammed hats into the crowd.

Alongside her beloved husband, the late Bernard “Bernie” Gilhuly, a dedicated University Board Member- Bobbie supported Fairfield University through the Bernard Gilhuly Endowed Scholarship Fund. She was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church and a longtime member of The Patterson Club. She found joy in the occasional golf game, her beloved bridge group, and the company of family and friends—She greeted all with warmth, quick wit and a spirited presence.

She is survived by her five children: Bernard Gilhuly and his wife Catherine Furniss of Hidden Hills, CA; Brian Gilhuly and his wife Kimberly Brown of Sullivan’s Island, SC; Elizabeth Gilhuly of Fairfield, CT; Brendan Gilhuly and his wife Christine Fitzmaurice Gilhuly of Waitsfield, VT; and William Gilhuly and his wife Samantha Parisi Gilhuly of Fairfield, CT. To her ten grandchildren—Alexandra and James Brown; Liam, Ryan, Eamon, Brian, Madeline, Lucy, Bennett, and Blair Gilhuly—she was simply Gammy: beloved, wise, funny, occasionally feared, and fiercely adored.

Bobbie was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Bernie; her irrepressible sister, Judy Sobocinski; and her stalwart brother-in-law, Thomas Dolan Sr.

She is survived by her cherished sister, Nancy Dolan of Fairfield, and her devoted brother-in-law, Dr. Lawrence Sobocinski of Palm City, Florida. Bobbie held a deep, abiding love for her extended family—the Dolan and Sobo clans—delighting in the milestones and mischief of her nine nieces and nephews, as well as 19 great-nieces and great-nephews. The Gilhuly side added another wonderful nine nieces and nephews to the count.

Simply put, Bobbie was a force. Though no words can quite capture the magnitude of her presence, her spirit lives on—in every note struck on a well-loved piano, every flawlessly choreographed dinner party, and every gathering she brought to life. Entertaining was her love language, and true to her nickname Mrs. Full Charge, she planned, prepped, and ensured each evening unfolded just as it should: beautifully, effortlessly, and entirely under control. She was a loyal friend, the heartbeat of her family, and a woman whose gusto left a mark on everyone she met. Her memory is not only a blessing—it’s a call to live with joy, gather often, and love without reserve.

Services will be held through Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT. Calling hours will take place on Friday, June 27th, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Fairfield, CT. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 1530 Bronson Road, Fairfield, CT.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bernard A. Gilhuly, Jr. ’52 Scholarship at Fairfield University.

Gifts can be made online at Fairfield.edu/give.

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Gifts made by check may be sent to the address below. Please be sure to add “Gilhuly Scholarship” in the memo line.

Fairfield University 
Attention: University Advancement
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824