Robert J. Elia

Robert J. Elia, 68, of Ashburn, VA previously of Worcester passed away Wednesday March 30th 2011 in Arlington Va. with family at his side. Robert was born March 20, 1943 in Worcester, MA, the son of Rae (Cusanello) Genatasio. He graduated from North High School in 1960, and in 1964 earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Norwich University, in Northfield, VT. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant during the Vietnam era. He lived in Virginia for more than 16 years. Robert worked his entire career in construction management. For many years he owned and headed a company he founded; Systematics General Corp., of Herndon, VA, specializing in building secure electronics rooms for the US Military and high tech teleconferencing rooms for business before retiring. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Metall, Lima) Elia of Ashburn, VA; his two sons and their spouses, Robert and Kathryn Elia of San Rafael, CA, David and Sandra Elia of West Cummington, MA; his former wife Doreen (Peterson) Elia of Madison, CT: two step-children, Jeffrey Lima of Assonet, MA and Meredith Wallace Kazer of New Haven, CT; 9 grandchildren; Aunt Marie (Toe) Cuccaro, many cousins, and a host of friends. Robert was a devoted alumnus of Norwich University. He was active in The Norwich and Washington Area Alumni Associations and very seldom missed a Norwich Alumni Homecoming. He also loved sports and was a great baseball fan; traveling many years in the winter to spring training. His favorite teams were the Boston Braves, and NY Yankees. He had a special love for the NY Giant Football teams. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Sunday, April 3rd from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. in The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held Monday, April 4th from the funeral home with a Mass at 12 noon in St. Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations in his memory to The General I.D. White Scholarship, care of Norwich University, Development and Alumni Relations Office, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663