MERZETTI, ROBERT GERALD - 1931 - 2013 - It is with heartfelt sadness that the family announces the death of Robert “Bob” Merzetti of Saint John, NB. Surrounded by his loving family, Bob passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, January 3, 2013 after a period of failing health. Bob was the seventh of nine children of the late Herman Merzetti of Montilibretto, Italy and the late Laura Hansen of Hillsborough, NB and was born in Saint John on July 8, 1931. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary JoAnne (Creary). They were married on July 1, 1959 at St. Peter’s Church. He is also survived by his four children - Jacqueline (Bob) Melles of Hanwell, NB, Jocelyn (Guy) Richard of Quispamsis, NB, Terrance and Timothy both of Saint John, grandchildren Rylan, Laura and Jillian Melles, Hannah Richard and Abigail Merzetti, great granddaughter Brianna Melles, his sister Dorothy O’Reilly and brother Paul Merzetti and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Herman “Larry”, James, Donald and David, and sisters Mary Ellsworth and Ada Paschal. Bob graduated from St. Vincent’s Boys School and Saint John High School. He worked at the family wholesale business, Mutual Jobbing, for 19 years, following which he worked for the provincial government for three years before joining The New Freeman in 1970, where he was the managing editor for 21 years, retiring January 1992. Following his retirement, he enjoyed the next 16 years golfing at the Rockwood Park Golf Course where he aced the 18th hole on September 2, 1998. Growing up on Leinster Street, Bob and his family spent many wonderful, adventure-filled summers at their cottage at Greenwich Hill. Bob and his family were long time faithful members of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish. Bob and his immediate family were later members of St. Peter’s, St. Dunstan’s and St. Joachim’s Parishes. In his early years, Bob was involved in a variety of sports including baseball, hockey, bowling and football. He previously served on the City’s Planning Advisory Committee, the 1967 Bicentennial Committee, Simonds Co-op Board, St. Joachim’s Parish Council, past president of the Saint John Young Liberal Association, CNR Suburban Hockey League, Ticats Football Team, Little Theater and many bowling leagues. In later years, Bob along with his son, Tim, owned several successful racehorses including JL Cook, Four X Four and The Streak. Bob was an avid sports fan and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Red Sox, Braves, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John. Following cremation, visitation will take place on Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 12 to 6 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church, 50 Clarendon Street on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the IWK Health Centre Rheumatology Clinic, The Joshua Group, Romero House or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date. Online condolences and remembrances may be sent to the family at www.fundyfuneralhome.com