Robert A. Meola

WORCESTER - Robert A. Meola, 80, of 9 Oakmont Road, Worcester died peacefully on October 4, 2007 after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. His family was by his side. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Gertrude Mikelonis Meola; three sons, Stephen R. Meola and his wife Nancy of Shrewsbury, Robert A. Meola of Worcester and Ontario, his wife Nancy of Ontario, Canada, Dennis A. Meola and his wife Lori of Charlton; five grandchildren, Jeffrey S. Meola and his wife Dawn of Auburn, Kate J. Meola of Shrewsbury, William R. Meola and his wife Erin of Takoma Park Maryland, Logan A. Meola of Charlton and Nolan R. Meola of Ontario, Canada and one great-grandson, Zachary W. Meola of Auburn.

He also leaves his caring and supportive siblings and their families; two brothers, Philip A. Meola and his wife Gloria, Anthony A. Meola Jr. and his wife Susan, all of West Boylston; two sisters, Geraldine Lavigne and her husband Clifford, of Moody, ME. and Helen Pepin and her husband Milton of Worcester and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was predeceased by his beloved parents, Anthony A. Meola and his wife Myrtle Mae and two sisters, Phyllis S. Meola of Worcester and Dorothy L’Ecuyer of West Boylston.

He graduated from North High school in Worcester in 1946. During those four years Bob was enrolled in Future Farmer’s of America and became a listed Bay State Farmer. His love of the land and gardening lasted all his life. Each year he grew a large assortment of flowers, organic vegetables and herbs. The last time he was able to walk in his garden, he broke off a simple day lily and brought it in smiling for his wife. That was so typical of him. During World War II he served in the National Guard while enthusiastically growing his Victory Garden. During those same years he worked seven days a week in the family milk business. He was the senior pasteurizer at Meola’s Mt. Wachusett Dairy in West Boylston. At 3 A.M. when he awoke to start his day, he would say, “I’m going to work to feed the babies.” Bob cared deeply about bottling the best milk he could produce during his 60-year career. When his father passed away, Bob became co-owner and the business grew to 70 employees. It was known throughout the region for it’s good milk.

Bob was an avid student of WWII. He enjoyed combining history with geography. There wasn’t a general or a battle won or lost, wherever it’s location that he couldn’t discuss in detail. He was a longtime member of the Sons of Italy and St. Christopher’s Church. Bob enjoyed traveling and was fond of Florida. He liked attending county fairs, watching the Red Sox and walking the beach.

He loved his family more than he could say and was very proud of each one. He will be missed when the lilacs bloom, when it’s a good day for a ride, when it’s the season for home grown tomatoes, when it’s apple picking time and when any of his family needs a good listener and a hug.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 8th in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9th, in St. Christopher’s Church, 950 West Boylston Street (Rte. 12), Worcester. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, it was Bob’s wish that donations be made to the Alliance for Lupus Research, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 501, New York, NY 10036.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com