Robert A. Delfino passed away in the company of his loving family in the Boca Raton Regional Hospital on Thursday evening. He was 80.
Bob was raised in Medford’s Wellington neighborhood, the son of the late Domenic and Elvira (LaBagnara) Delfino. A great athlete at Medford High, he was the catcher for the baseball team and after graduating, went on to Northeastern University where he also played for the varsity team. After college, Bob eventually went on to work for the City of Medford, where he became Chief Assessor in 1972 and later served as Chairman of the Board of Assessors for several terms. Bob was a sports enthusiast throughout his life and was dedicated to Medford sports, especially the Medford Mustangs, so much so that people would say he bled Blue and White. He was active in local leagues as a coach and mentor especially hockey and baseball, coaching little league and Babe Ruth. He was instrumental in founding the Islanders Hockey. He followed the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins with enthusiasm. He loved the company of his grandchildren as well as the rest of his family and friends. In his younger years he owned and raced harness horses with great success. For 30 years he and his bride of 57 years enjoyed regular visits and vacations to their condo in Delray, Florida. Once retired, they both spent their winters there.
The beloved husband of Rita A. (Zarella) Delfino, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, he was a devoted father to Denise Gunn and her husband Eric of Medford, Robert A. Delfino, Jr. of Delray Beach, Florida, Lori Egitto and her husband Skip of Medford and David Delfino of Medford. A loving “Papa” to Samantha, Brittany, Danny, Michael, Joseph, Devin and Trevor, he was a dear brother-in-law to Ann and Bob McGovern, Albert Zarella and his late wife Shirley, Lawrence Zarella and his wife Carol. Bob also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford, on Tuesday April 28th from 4 to 8 PM and again on Wednesday morning at 9 followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contribution's may be made in Bob's name to the American Diabetes Assoc. 10 Speen St., 2nd floor, Framingham, MA 01701