Philanthropist with local survivors
Published in the July 7, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — Robert W. Cerretani of Wakefield passed away June 28 in Wakefield at the age of 77.
He was born on March 14, 1939 and was the son of the late Orlando Cerretani and Marion (Steeves) Cerretani.
Robert was a graduate of Melrose High School and University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He had been a resident of Wakefield since 1965 and was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Melrose. He was also a member of the Lanam Club of Andover and the Revere Rotary Club. Robert was a philanthropist to several different organizations, such as The New England Food Foundation and The Boys and Girls Town of Italy.
He was the loving brother of Joseph S. Cerretani and his wife Betty of Cotuit, Gary J. Cerretani and his wife Marie of Dunnellon, Florida, and Jan R. Flanagan and her husband Donnie of North Reading. He was the uncle of Joseph S. Cerretani, Jr., Ellen DeOrsey, Ingrid Merwitz, Gianni Cerretani, Brandon Flanagan and Lianna McDougall. Robert is also survived by his grand nieces and nephews: Brianna, Brendan, Nicole, Courtney, Kyle, David, Quinnlin, Colin, Shamus, and Alyssa; as well as many cousins, including Sharon and Michael Piccirilli and Linda Cerretani.
His funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church, 561 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends was held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday. Interment will be held at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Megan House, 31 Kirk St., Lowell, MA 01854.
