Robert A. Gardella

LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Robert A. Gardella, 85, of Londonderry, formerly of Seabrook Beach, N.H., and a longtime resident of Swampscott, died peacefully on May 22, 2018 at the High Pointe Hospice House, Haverhill, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Haverhill, the son of the late Andrew and Sabina (Taglieri) Gardella, he attended Haverhill High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. During his time at Haverhill High School, he was a member of the band the "Music Kings,"? where he would be seen playing the saxophone, clarinet or piano and continued on with the band for several more years. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, graduating in 1954, with his degree in Chemical Engineering and was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity and the Air Force ROTC program. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from September of 1954 until September of 1957, stationed at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Mr. Gardella was employed for many years by Hood Molded Foam Co., Marblehead, as vice president and later was the president and owner of Printing Professionals, Inc., Malden, retiring at the age of 67. He served on the Seabrook Beach Zoning Board and was a member of the Couple's Club of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Swampscott, as well as an active member of Swampscott High School's "Big Blue"? Boosters. An avid Patriots fan, Mr. Gardella enjoyed photography, researching the investment market, and music, particularly Jazz and Big Band. He also enjoyed attending movies and the theatre, especially musicals. A devoted family man, he was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Patricia (Haumann) Gardella in 2000, and will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by a son, Robert C. Gardella and his wife, Carolyn Gardella of Westwood; four daughters, Linda W. Samia and her husband, Gary of Sanford, Maine, Jodi Gardella and her partner, Jay Videtta of Swampscott, Sandra A. Cherry and her husband, Chris of Stafford, Va., and Maryelaine Wood and her husband, Tony of Swampscott; a sister, Elaine Insero and her husband, Frank of Peabody,  and formerly of Bradford; 10 grandchildren, Brian Samia, Rachel (Samia) Carpenter, Kara Serasis, Nicholas Serasis, Julie Gardella, Christopher Gardella, Maggie Cherry, Justin Cherry, Ryan Wood and Adeline Wood; three great-grandchildren, Caleb Samia, Hadassah Samia and Orson Capenter; a companion, Elaine Keating of Peterborough, N.H., and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Service information: Relatives and friends may attend Robert's Life Celebration to be held on Friday, May 25, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at BROOKSIDE Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, N.H. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial with Air Force military honors will take place in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made to the High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, or to Northeast Veteran Outreach Center, 10 Reed St., Haverhill. For directions to our funeral home or to send a message of condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.brooksidechapelfh.com .