Robert Lawrence Mei, 83
Dateline: Cumberland, RI
Robert Lawrence Mei, age 83, most recently of Cumberland, RI, a former lifelong resident of Mansfield, passed away at Mount Saint Rita’s Health Centre in Cumberland on Saturday, March 26, 2022, supported by the love of his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Nancy (Wheeler) Mei, his devoted children, Jeffrey Mei and his wife Amy of Cumberland, RI and Betsy Fanchiang of Milford, NH, his cherished grandchildren, Lily Jane Fanchiang and Daniel Robert Mei. He also leaves behind his dear sisters and brother, Eleanor Wright of North Attleboro, Dora Sibilia of Mansfield, Gloria Blaisdell of Wrentham, Barbara Seymour of North Attleboro, James Mei of Norton, Mary Lou Shepardson of Lancaster, PA, Kathy Sankey of Mansfield and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents Primo and Maria (Badioll) Mei and siblings Ida Vacca, Geraldine Pelletier, and William Mei.
Born in Mansfield, MA on April 7, 1938, he lived most of his life there until 2020, when he became a resident at Chapel Hill Senior Living in Cumberland, RI. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mansfield and for many years, could be seen passing the basket collecting donations for those attending the service.
As a first-generation Italian-American, Bob was a well-respected hard worker. He served a stint in the town of Mansfield as a wire inspector and spent many years self-employed as the owner of the Mansfield Electric Shop. He genuinely loved the job site and telling stories about “hooting’, hollering, and cussing’” with the crew; he took pride and found joy in what he did and had each day.
Outside of work, his favorite hobbies were working, cleaning, tidying-up, yardwork, cleaning some more, going up on his roof to clean gutters and sweep, and working. When he wasn’t keeping busy working on a project, he could be found spoiling his grandchildren, or engaging in his other favorite past-time – enjoying a pastry or lovingly encouraging friends and family to try one too. He could also be found rooting on the Red Sox or Patriots – but usually only when they were winning otherwise, he didn’t want to waste his time.
In the summer months, Bob enjoyed his days at Falmouth Heights Beach working on his sunburn and refusing to put sunscreen on no matter the intensity of the redness of his skin. On Saturday evenings, he could be often found tending to a pot of meatballs – a meal he started to plan for each Wednesday. He gave generously to his friends and family, lived his life fully sharing laughter and kindness with all. He was a tremendous caretaker for his wife, always supported his family, and believed hard work always solved problems.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, March 31st from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the Mei family encourages those who have memories of Bob that make them smile to donate to Our Daily Bread-Mansfield’s Food Pantry, 15A West Street, Mansfield, MA 02048.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com