Robert A. Dascanio

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert A. "Bob" Dascanio, of the Southgate Community in Shrewsbury, retired Massachusetts Army National Guard, Master Sergeant. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born and raised in Woodbury, New Jersey and Aruba N.W.I., he was the son of the late Anthony and Madeline (Chila) Dascanio. He graduated from Drexel University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. After college he joined the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant and proudly served the country for several years as a Platoon Leader before being honorably discharged as Infantry Unit Commander in 1962. He continued his service with the U.S. Army Reserves with the rank of Captain until 1967. In time, Bob joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard, retiring as Master Sergeant in 2003.
In his civilian career, Bob worked in the Marketing sector for Sun Oil Company for 20 years. During this period at Sun Oil, Bob continued his love of learning and graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) from Wayne State University. He finished his corporate career working at A.O. Smith and the Bank of Boston. In 1989, he and his wife Josephine became business owners when they purchased Elite Dry Cleaners, which expanded to five locations in the Metrowest area. They made long-standing friendships working daily within these communities until 2005. They moved to Southgate in Shrewsbury in 2017 and have enjoyed many exciting years there.
In his free time, Bob was active in the Boy Scouts of America (Mohegan Council) and was a member of the Friends of Treasure Valley for over 15 years. Bob was a lifetime runner and held a second-degree Black Belt in Judo. Bob also loved being outdoors and was a member of Community Harvest Project in Grafton for over 15 years as a volunteer team leader.
Bob was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Josephine (Sullivan) Dascanio, his two children, Maria Olia and her husband Masoud of Newton, MA and Michael Dascanio and his wife Hye Cha of Monroe, NY. He also leaves behind his seven cherished grandchildren; Bijan Olia and his wife Elizabeth Song, Kian Olia and his wife Alicia, Cameron Olia, Leda Mort and her husband Benjamin, Sunny Dascanio and her husband Matthew Fontana, Vista Dascanio, Robert Dascanio. Bob is preceded in death by his brother John Lewis. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth of Middleville, MI as well as several nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends and former service members.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to: Boy Scouts of America/Scouting America or The Parkinson's Foundation
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the chapel at The Southgate Community, 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.