Robert T Carelli

Robert T. "Bob" Carelli retired Captain of the Worcester County Sheriff's department passed away peacefully Thursday, March 27, 2014 with family gathered by his bedside after a valiant battle with prostate cancer. He was 76 years of age. Bob was born in Worcester to his parents the late Frank L. and Annabel (Brady) Carelli. He graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart. He then married Rose Marie Collaro who he was devoted to and loved for the 47 years of their marriage. Together they settled in Worcester to raise their family and have lived there ever since. Bob worked for 33 years for the Worcester County Sherriff's department beginning as a Corrections Officer rising through the ranks to become Captain before retiring. Bob leaves behind the love of his life Rose Marie; the family he adored, John Carelli, his wife Mayume and their children, Maliena, Amanda and Danna of Seattle, Washington; Chris Carelli, his wife Chrissy and their children, Nicholas and Cole of Holden; Colleen Potenti, her husband Tony and their children, Trevor, Addison and Bryce of Westborough; a brother James J. Carelli of Shrewsbury; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many friends. A brother, Captain Francis Carelli US Navy (ret) and sister, Ruth Ann Bartholomew both pre deceased him. Bob was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. He was a passionate golfer who could be found on many golf courses around the area, especially Wachusett Country Club and the courses of Cape Cod. At one time, Bob loved coaching his sons' baseball teams. He loved the Yankees. Most of all, Bob was an all-around special man that always had a warm smile, a kind word and genuine interest in everyone that he met. Over the past 10 years he and his wife, Rose Marie, enjoyed their summers and weekends at their Cape house, whether by themselves, with their many friends or with their beloved family. His children and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy and he was always eager to be with and around them. He especially loved watching all of them play sports, watching them sing in the choir and reading to them. Bob's spirit will be sadly missed. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, April 1st from 4 pm to 7 pm for calling hours in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Wednesday, April 2nd from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Mt Carmel Renovation Fund, 24 Mulberry St. The Carelli family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Pezzella for the care and compassion he gave to Bob in a difficult time.