Robert M. Lanzetta

Robert (Bob) Lanzetta passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by the love of his family, from Alzheimer complications. Bob was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and life-long educator and coach who impacted the lives of countless students and athletes spanning a 40+ year career.

Bob, fondly known as "Linksy" due to his curly locks as a boy, was the patriarch of the Lanzetta family for many years. Proud of his Italian heritage, he recounted endless stories of "la famiglia" and growing up the son of an Italian immigrant on the east side of Brockton – stories of his boisterous aunts making and drying homemade pasta on the bed linens, of eels in the bathtub in preparation for the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, and of being an "errand boy" for his nefarious uncles.

Bob worked hard, played hard and lived a full life. A traditionalist at heart, he was a kind, humble and generous soul. He challenged himself and those around him to do better, be better. He mentored young minds, coached inspiring athletes, and instilled the importance of family with loved ones. Bob was also a bit of a rebel being the first in "la famiglia" to move away from Brockton to Marshfield in 1961 after marrying the love of his life Virginia (Ginny) DeLea, also from Brockton, to build their home and raise their three children, Kristin, Keri and Robert.

Though Marshfield was his home for 65 years, Bob was a Brocktonian at heart, born and raised in the City of Champions. A 1951 graduate of Brockton High School, he excelled at sport. He was an offensive guard and linebacker for the Boxers football team during the 1948 – 1950 seasons. He was a member of the 1948 State Championship Team with a 12-1 record, led the Boxers to a 34-0 Orange Bowl win in Florida against Miami Edison, and was elected co-captain in 1950. Bob was selected to the Boston Post All-Scholastic team and received All-Scholastic honorable mention in the Boston Herald, Boston Globe and Record American newspapers. He also excelled in indoor and outdoor track earning dual meet honors in the shot put and hurdles. Bob was elected to the BHS Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

Upon graduation from BHS, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, serving as Private First Class, 27th Infantry Division during the Korean War. He spent three years in Korea, earning the Korean, Bronze Star, United Nations and National Defense Service Medals, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He remained in the US Army Reserves until 1962. In 2017, he was awarded the Ambassador of Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea for serving with U.N. troops, in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Korean conflict.

After his military service, Bob attended Northeastern University where he played three years of varsity football. He was selected to the United Press International's Little All-New England Football team and named MVP. He was awarded the Varsity Club Award and the B'Nai Brith Athletic and Achievement Award.

While attending NU and playing football by day, Bob worked nights at the Brockton VA Hospital as a psychiatric aide. It is here he met his future wife Ginny, a nurse and graduate of St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing. The Boston Globe named Bob the "NU Sleeper" because he took naps wherever he could – on the NU wrestling mats or the bus commute between Brockton and Boston - to rejuvenate himself to fulfill his student, athlete and veteran obligations. This was quintessential Bob – a man with tremendous work ethic, discipline, tenacity and perseverance, and no complaints.

Upon graduation from NU in 1959, Bob returned to Brockton High School as a US history and wood shop teacher, official and football coach, who along with his lifetime friends and colleagues, coached the Boxers to multiple Superbowl championships. He earned his Master's in Education from Bridgewater State University and taught night school at Massasoit Community College. Bob maintained his position with BHS as athletics equipment manager and ski club advisor for several years following his retirement from BHS in 1996.

Upon retirement, Bob delved into carpentry – "Lanzetta Construction" renovated many a relative's basement, playroom, bathroom, porch, kitchen, playhouse and hardwood floors, for nothing more than a hug or an apple pie! He took considerable pride in the family home he built and was in the yard daily picking up sticks. Bob was also active in the Marshfield Korean War Veteran's Association and its' college scholarship awards program.

Bob's passion for sport and the great outdoors was life long and extensive. Summer was spent at the beach and on the ocean. A self-taught sailor, he towed his sailboat on the back of his Volkswagen Bug to launch on Green Harbor beach. He spent endless early mornings aboard his next boat, "Tin Can", fishing and lobstering the waters off Brant Rock, then feeding family, friends and neighbors with the day's catch. Always the educator, he enthusiastically taught his kids sailing and seamanship, and to respect the beauty and power of the Atlantic.

Bob embraced the magic of New England winters, ice skating the frozen ponds and cranberry bogs across Marshfield and tobogganing the hills of Duxbury. Bob was an avid skier until the age of 85! Always prepared, Bob kept his skis and gear ready, eagerly watching the forecast for the chance to play hooky and "SKI THE EAST" for fresh powder and first tracks. This love of skiing is a cherished family tradition across the slopes of New England, Colorado and Australia and continues through Bob's grandchildren, Aedan, Robby and Vivian. Bob joyfully shared slopes and chairlift rides with his family and friends and moments on mountain were among his most treasured memories.

Bob's appreciation for our country's history spawned family vacations to Washington, D.C., Yellowstone National Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Grand Canyon. He cherished and reflected on these adventures, proud to have overcome his fear of flying to view the beauty of America.

Bob was a "legend" amongst his students, athletes, colleagues, friends and family – whether inspiring a team to victory, giving you "the look" and you knew what it meant, or offering quiet love, support and wisdom in times of need. Often a man of few words, his words were profound. He was respected and revered for his deep knowledge and competitive spirit and admired for his unwavering integrity and humility.

Dad, you are deeply loved and missed. We will take loving care of mom. You have rightfully earned your place in Heaven and are long welcomed by our loved ones that have gone before you. We love ya, now BE CAREFUL up there!

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Virginia "Ginny" (DeLea) Lanzetta; loving children Kristin Miles (Robert), Keri Lanzetta (Lou Pina), and Robert Lanzetta (Lori); and his cherished grandchildren Aedan Miles, Vivian Pina and Roberto Lanzetta. Son of the late Ralph and Adeline (DePasquale) Lanzetta, Bob is predeceased by a brother, Ralph Lanzetta and his wife Ann, and a sister, Lorraine Kondracki and her husband Robert.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 16 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. and will conclude with a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. Burial on Monday, November 17 will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Marshfield Veteran's Services, by mail to 870 Moraine Street, Marshfield MA 02050.