Robert Bernard Zollo

Robert Bernard Zollo, 91

1931 - 2023

Lynn - Robert Bernard Zollo, 91, of Lynn died peacefully on 8/27/23 after a brief illness. Bob was born in East Boston on 11/2/31 and was the son of the late James and Florence Zollo, both first generation Italian immigrants.

Bob was raised in East Boston and was a graduate of East Boston High School in 1949. He married his beloved wife, Athena (Paleologos) and they raised their 3 children, Elaine, Jim and Liz in the Pine Hill area of Lynn. Bob served his country in the Air Force from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. He then went on to receive his associates degree from the B.U. College of Engineering.

After working at the GE aircraft factory in Lynn, Bob found his true passion in the retail automobile industry. He started as a salesman at Able Ford and then he worked his way up to into management at several Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships in Lynn during the course of his 30 plus years career, including a lengthy run as General Manager of Petersen Ford in Lynn. He was well known for his customer service and salesmanship swagger. He was one of the best in the business. Everyone went to Bob if they needed a car or service. He built a life-long career with hard work and his gifted way of dealing with people. He made numerous friends along the way.

Bob was passionate about his Boston Bruins and hockey in general. He played for East Boston High and even played up to the age of 60 with his friends. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking and listening to Frank Sinatra music. He joyfully gave his woodworking projects to friends and family. Everyone would treasure their unique gift from Bob.

Bob was best known for his storytelling, jokes and card tricks. He was constantly entertaining everyone with his colorful stories of growing up in East Boston, adventures in the car business, and his time in the Air Force.

His biggest love was for his family. He was especially proud of his 5 grandsons, Robert and Nick Zollo and Jason, Eashan and Nayan Jani. They were his biggest audience for his arsenal of jokes and stories. His grandsons were truly his pride and joy.

Bob was lucky enough to find another dear person to share and enjoy his life with after the passing of his wife, Athena, in 1995. Marge Keegan and her 5 children and 9 grandchildren became his second family for the next 22 years. He was "Poppy" to Marge's 9 grandchildren. He loved playing scrabble with Marge and vacationing at Marge's beach house in Saco, Maine. Bob loved the sea side and enjoyed every moment he had in Maine.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Zollo, his father, James Zollo, his sister Louise Vozzella and brother Carmen Zollo. Bob was the beloved husband of the late Athena Zollo. He was the loving father of Elaine Zollo of Lynn, MA, Jim Zollo and his wife Lisa of Las Vegas, NV and Liz Jani (Zollo) and her husband, Arun of Westford, MA. He also leaves behind a niece and two nephews and several cousins.

Service Information: Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Rt 129), Lynn MA from 4-8pm. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10AM from the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11AM in St. Mary's Church, Lynn, MA. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Disabled American Veterans Association. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com