Published in the February 17, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Robert H. Maiella, 93, of Woburn and formerly a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.
Robert was born in Everett on November 11, 1923, and was one of eight children of the late Giuseppe and Anita (Vardaro) Maiella. He was raised in Everett and graduated from Everett High School, Class of 1941. He received training from the New England Aircraft School in Boston before serving his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force. A proud veteran, Robert served in the Pacific Theater performing aircraft armament during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he became a machinist with the Department of Commerce Administration of Civil Aeronautics, where he was certified as a master mechanic in 1949. On September 29, 1962, Robert married Mary Pasqua and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of four children. Mr. Maiella worked for General Electric as a master mechanic in aircraft research and development for over 40 years, retiring in 1988.
A 54 year resident of Melrose, Bob was a quiet and humble man, but took great pride in his home and his family’s roots. With a mechanical background, he had a vast knowledge of how to fix things, and was happy to share his knowledge with family, friends and neighbors alike. He became known as the go-to-guy for anything that needed to be fixed in the neighborhood and always had a tool or helping hand to offer. He filled Saturday mornings with odd jobs around the house and passed his knowledge on to his four children.
At home in his free time, Bob was an avid reader, especially anything related to architecture or history. He loved photography and always had a camera in his hand. He also loved music, especially Italian opera or big band. He held his Italian heritage close to his heart and later in life, he and Mary enjoyed trips to their roots in Italy.
Bob had a subtle, understated presence, but his mind held great knowledge that enriched those around him. Every so often he shared his unassuming sense of humor, or talked at length on a particular subject that intrigued him. He was a man who loved life, always put his family first, and never said a bad word about anyone. He will be lovingly remembered.
Robert was the beloved husband of the late Mary F. (Pasqua) Maiella, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Carol Batten and her husband Philip of Merrimack, New Hampshire; Jean M. Pineau and her husband Timothy of Woburn; Diane Mace and her husband Paul of Billerica; and the late Robert H. Maiella Jr. He was the caring brother of the late Gerald Maiella, Dr. Anthony M. Maiella, Mary M. Durant, Ann T. Maiella, Edith A. Capra, Victor J. Maiella, and Richard S. Maiella. He was the cherished grandfather of Michael Batten, Daniel Batten, Nicholas Pineau, Dillon Pineau, Christina Leon, Joseph Maiella, David Mace, Amanda Mace and Ashley Mace. He was the loving great-grandfather of Sophia, Brianna, Amelia, and Johanna. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Bob’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Feb. 15, before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, for his Funeral Mass. Entombment with U.S. Air Force honors in took place at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden. Gifts in Robert’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
