Robert "Bob" Generelli

Robert “Bob” Generelli, 95, of Verone, Italy,  formerly of Worcester, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022, in Verona.

Bob, as he was called was born in Worcester, the eldest son of Ralph and Ann (Gesuse) Generelli. As the oldest son, he developed a watchful eye over his two sisters and brother, learning rapidly to be resourceful and enterprising.  As in a vast majority of the Italian families in Worcester at the time, Bob earned pocket money delivering milk and newspapers daily to help his family. He then graduated from St John’s High School, where he excelled in sports, Bob then entered the Xaverian Juniorate in Peabody and later the Xaverian Novitiate in Virginia, taking preliminary vows as an Xaverian brother.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Xaverian College and a master’s degree from Loyola College beginning a career as an educator.   He then briefly taught in the United States before realizing he loved teaching more than religious life.   Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and was sent to Verona, Italy.  Bob loved the beauty of Italy, and fell in love with a woman he met on the base, Alma and never left  Italy except to visit home in the U.S.  For the next thirty-nine plus years he taught for American Schools in Italy, served as a school principal, retired, and actively organized and volunteered in his church and community before formerly retiring at the age of 88.

All the while with Alma at his side, they raised three children, Mary Generelli, Paul Generelli and Nancy Boffa, five grandchildren and countless others through teaching.   In addition to his wife and children in Italy, Bob is survived a brother, James Generelli, and sister Mary Vigliatura, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends here in the U.S. and in Italy.  A sister, Laurice LaCroix predeceased him.

Active in his community in Italy, bob was always ready to lend a hand, organize a function, function as an English interpreter,  or in any capacity to help his community. He was well loved by his students, neighbors, and co-villagers.

Funeral services and burial were held in Italy. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is assisting the family in the U.S.