Robert 'Bob' M. Mele Sr.

Robert "Bob" M. Mele, Sr. of Mount Prospect, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2023. Bob was born on July 27, 1941 in Chicago, IL to the late Michael and Anna Mele. Bob was the cherished husband to Patricia Mele for 29 years.

Bob was a pillar in his family and his community. He started his successful restaurant career with his father-in-law at Cesar's Pizzeria in Des Plaines, IL until 1959. Shortly after, in 1969, Bob and his then wife, Loretta, started Little Villa. In 1979, the two built and opened Little Villa Restaurant in Des Plaines, IL. To the community, Bob was a leader; to his family, Bob was hardworking, generous, and known as the best dad ever. Bob was a family man who used food to keep everyone together. He worked hard throughout his life and as a reward he had the opportunity to travel. One of his favorite places to travel was his home in Florida. Bob was a charitable man. He formed a lifelong relationship with Maryville Academy and Father Smyth. His relationship resulted in a Maryville Academy college scholarship in his father's name, Michael Mele.

Bob was the loving father to Barbara (Karen) Stocco, Catherine (Doug) Siemers, Robert Mele Jr., and Danyelle (Todd) Guy; the sweetest grandfather to James (Colleen), Jessica, Kayla, and Austin; the cherished great-grandfather to Oliver and Madison; and the dearest son-in-law to Chuck Germann.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Lutheran Home for the Aged in Arlington Heights, IL or Maryville Alumni Association c/o John Maher 7221 Jonquil Terrace, Hanover Park, IL 60133.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 3pm to 8pm at Matz Mt. Prospect Funeral Chapel located at 410 E. Rand Road, Mt Prospect, IL 60056. A funeral mass will be held on Friday September 15, 2023, at 10:30am at St. Emily Catholic Church located at 1400 E. Central Road, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Entombment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery will immediately follow mass. For more information please contact Matz Mt. Prospect Funeral Chapel at (847) 394-2336.