Southbridge – Robert G. Marchetta, 81, of Southbridge, passed peacefully and surrounded by family on December 23, 2023 after a period of declining health. He was born on July 22, 1942 in Cambridge, MA, the son of Costantino R. and Gertrude A. G. (Duprez) Marchetta.
Originally from Belmont, Bob attended Hillside School in Marlborough, MA before joining the U.S. Army in 1956 at the age of 14 – yes, you read it correctly – the age of 14. He was extremely proud of his service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Veterans (AMVETS), and The American Legion – belonging to the Vincent F. Picard Post #234, Northborough, MA.
After his military service, he met the love of his life, Ellen M. Connell of Quincy, MA., and they married on May 22, 1965. They eventually settled and raised their family in Northborough, MA, a location heavily influenced by his time at Hillside.
Bob travelled the United States extensively for many years as a Tractor Trailer driver until finally accepting a position as a federal employee at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, also known as Natick Labs, as a driver and mechanic. The couple remained in Northborough for 30 years until moving to Homosassa, FL for retirement.
While in Florida, Bob became a member of an English Car Club and enjoyed time with Ellen making friends and going to car shows. He was very happy to have won a number of awards with his classic 1970’s MG and Mini Cooper cars. Bob also enjoyed boating, target shooting and tinkering – he was a great Jack of all Trades.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Richard D. Marchetta; his sisters Diane M. Carter and Cheryl L. Hanley; and, after 57 years of marriage, his loving wife Ellen. He leaves his sons Robert W. Marchetta and his wife Laura, of Northborough; William A. Marchetta, of Millbury; his daughters Kimberly M. Hogan and her husband Christopher of Southbridge; Ann-Marie T. Adams and her husband Roy, of Scotts Valley, CA; along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main Street, Northborough. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by phone at (800-805-5856) or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.
