Robert L. Marchi

Robert L. Marchi

July 30, 1929 - Feb. 14, 2016

MISHAWAKA - Robert “Bob” L. Marchi, 86, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2016, in his home.

Bob was born on July 30, 1929, in Mishawaka, as the son of Pio and Teresina (Bezi) Marchi. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert Marchi was the first-born child of Italian immigrants from Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy. He was a man of many talents and trades, but none so highly esteemed as that of Nono, the sacred vocation of an Italian grandfather. Nono was a devoted family man, and he treasured each of his loved ones, especially his beloved grandchildren. In fact, you would rarely talk with him without receiving an update on their various activities and achievements. Nono honorably served his country stateside during the Korean Conflict. He was also a Mishawaka firefighter who proudly served the city for 20 years before retiring in 1982. He was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong member of the DeAmicis Italian Club. It was also no secret that Nono was an excellent cook and baker. Nono married the former Ann Derbin in 1954, and lovingly cared for his wife through sickness and health all of their 52 years of married life until she passed away in 2006.

Surviving are his two sons, Mark and his wife, Cindy, and Mike and his wife, Gina; five grandchildren, Jenna, Danielle, Nicholas, Antonio and Angelina.

Among Nono's many admirable attributes were his quick wit and loving, gregarious spirit. If you knew Nono, you would know that he had lots of “birthdays” which afforded him many kisses and well-wishes from friends and strangers alike. In addition, Nono was a generous, humble man who was always ready to help. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping with his family every summer. Nono was an expert marksman as well and loved to shoot sporting clays. He was also a jack-of-all-trades, he could fix anything. His sometimes rough exterior gave way to a sensitive and caring heart.

Nono fought bravely against cancer in his last years of life, enduring treatments that would have bested a younger, weaker man. He persevered, and would not give up until he was finally called home to Heaven. To know Nono was to be infected by his joyful spirit and sense of humor. We will never forget his smiles and jokes. We will miss him but will see him again.

Our family wishes to thank Drs. McGrath and Bedoya and the staff at Memorial Regional Cancer Center for their care and compassion. We are also very grateful to Nono's “extended family,” the staff at The Curve restaurant in Mishawaka. Nono also had great times with his “Breakfast Buddies” at McDonald's, and his “Shooting Buddies” at Wildwood Acres Gun Club in White Pigeon and in Barron Lake; we know you will miss him.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 17, from 3 to 7 p.m., with a Rosary at 4 p.m., in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 18, at 10 a.m., in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, Northwest Indiana Office, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.