Robert S. Nardella

Robert S. Nardella, a hardworking and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 78.
Born in Boston, Bob was the son of Cosmo and Louise Nardella. His dad was an Italian immigrant and Bob learned so much about life and work from his father. He spent his childhood on Oxford Street in Somerville, where Union Square served as his playground and the backdrop for many fond memories. A proud graduate of Somerville Technical Trade School, Bob developed the strong work ethic and hands-on skills that would guide him throughout his life.
Bob's love story with Carol began in their youth, crossing paths at a high school party and again when Carol babysat for his sister's children. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they married on October 18, 1970. Over 55 beautiful years together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. After starting out in Woburn, they settled in Burlington in 1980, creating their "forever home." Aruba, their beloved "One Happy Island," became a treasured getaway they returned to year after year-twice annually in retirement.
Bob dedicated his professional life to the printing industry, mastering the art of six-color presswork. His precision and pride in craftsmanship earned him deep respect at Daniels Printing Company and later at Journeymen Press, where he also served as a manager. For Bob, work was a passion, not a chore. Thanks to his diligence and financial foresight, he retired at 55.
A self-taught investor, Bob often joked that he "skinned his knees a few times" before mastering the market. CNBC was a constant presence in his home, the ticker symbols running all day long as he tracked the markets. He loved researching companies, studying trends, and sharing his knowledge with others. Teaching his grandsons about the stock market and economics brought him great joy-he wanted them to understand not just how to invest, but how to think with curiosity and confidence.
In retirement, Bob gave back to his community by volunteering at the Burlington Community Food Pantry, offering his time and energy to help those in need.
Bob took immense pride in his yard-a picturesque haven that looked like it belonged in a magazine. He devoted countless hours to perfecting every detail, from the lush green lawn to the vibrant flower beds. His greatest joy came from tending to his beloved Japanese maple trees, many of which he sculpted into exquisite bonsai-like masterpieces. In the summer, his vegetable garden burst with abundance-tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers and so much more-always shared generously with family and friends.
Known for his strong opinions and generous spirit, Bob was always ready to lend a hand whether fixing something, offering advice, or just being there when needed. With his mechanical mind and natural problem-solving ability, Bob could repair just about anything. He found joy in restoring things to their best condition-a reflection of how he approached life itself.
As Frank Sinatra sang, Bob truly "did it my way." He met life head-on, followed his passions wholeheartedly, and poured his energy into everything he did. His intensity, precision, and drive for perfection were part of what made him who he was. Bob lived fully, loved his family deeply, and left behind a home-and a family-filled with his heart prints. His legacy of hard work, devotion, and love will forever live on in the lives of those who knew him.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Carol A. (Lohnes) Nardella; his devoted daughter Lisa Privetera of Clinton and her partner Joseph Thompson, cherished grandsons Kyle and Cole Privetera of Clinton and his son Robert G. Nardella of Newburyport. He was the brother of Dorothy Vaccaro and her husband Phil of Reading, Carol Carbone and her husband Billy of Burlington, Josephine DeGuglielmo of Medford, and the late Anna Gravallese. He was also the brother-in-law to Marie Gould and her late husband George, Sandra Bronk, and her husband Ken. Bob also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Thursday November 13th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A funeral service will begin at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.
Memorials in Bob's name may be made to People Helping People, www.peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.