Robert Monroe

Robert B. Monroe, 59, of Horne Way in Millbury, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2008, in UMass Hospital. He is survived by his two daughters, Lauren M. Monroe of Worcester, and Lindsay A. Monroe of Las Vegas, Nevada and his long time girlfriend, Jerelyn Bellow, with whom he lived. Mr. Monroe was born in Worcester, son of Robert and Rose (Trafecante) Monroe, and lived in Worcester and Rutland before moving to Millbury in 2002. He graduated from Worcester South High School, Worcester Junior College, Clark University and Fitchburg State College, where he received a Masters Degree in Education. He later received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Anna Maria College. Bob worked for fourteen years for the Town of West Boylston as a science teacher, band director, guidance counselor and school psychologist. He then worked for the Worcester Vocational Schools and the Spencer-East Brookfield school district as the school psychologist. He was Department Head for Pupil Personnel and School Psychologist for the Hopedale School District. Most recently, he was Team Chair and psychologist for the Nashoba Regional School District and was full-time summer faculty at Berklee College of Music. Bob was also a professional musician, playing the bass guitar, trumpet, and trombone. He was the former director of the Young Worcester Musicians Association, the Worcester All-City Band, and the Homer Wheaton VFW Brass Band. He also played in many bands including, Worcester CYC Band, Milford Youth Orchestra, Saint Gabriels Orchestra, Worcester Brass Band, Bob Isernio's Big Band, Staff Relations, American Standard Band, Steve LeClairs Big Band and Lou Borelli's Brass Quintet; and entertained for four summers with Summer's World of Worcester. He was most recently involved with "Bands by Bob", a twenty piece swing band. Bob was an active officer with the Mass Music Educators Association and was a guest conductor for many groups. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and The National Association of School Psychologists. He was also a member of the N.R.A., the United States Revolver Association, and the Rutland Sportsman's Club. He was also a member of The American Federation of Musicians, Local 143. The funeral for Bob will be held Wednesday, April 16, at 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street Worcester. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, April 15, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutland Sportsman Club, Scholarship Fund, Pleasantdale Road, Rutland, MA 01543.