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Robert Laraia Obituary
Worcester - Robert Laraia, 75, of Worcester passed away May 8, 2020 after a brief period of declining health.
Robert was born in Worcester, one of six children of Artemio and Rose (Arello) Laraia, raised on St Anne's Hill in the Italian section of Worcester, Robert graduated from Commerce High School. Robert furthered his education at Quinsigamond Community College, earning his bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Robert served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. Upon discharge, Robert began his career in horticultural work, by founding Pippins Garden Spot, a greenhouse in the family's backyard that still remains today.
Robert eventually accepted a position as an Exterior Landscape designer for Greenscape landscaping before retiring in 2014. Robert notably, helped design and care for the interior of St Vincent's Hospital Atrium. For his specialty and knowledge Robert earned the name "The Plant Man", which his designs and greenhouse truly exhibited.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, and two brothers Joseph and Richard. He is survived by two brothers, Arthur "Red" Laraia and Gerald "Butch" Laraia; his only sister, Teresa Laraia; his adoring niece Gina Abbott and her children, Brittany, Giana, Chase and Jake. Along with Aunts, cousins and close friends.
Bob was an excellent cook and baker. His specialty being, his famous cream puffs and his pies, the hit of every gathering. Bob loved hosting his annual 4th of July family and friend's cookout, all enjoying the food, fun and fireworks. He loved rooting for the Red Sox with his African Grey parrot Phil.
Words alone cannot express how much he will be missed, leaving a void in many of our lives as he was remarkably kind, caring, funny and he touched the lives of everyone he met. His heart was pure and his love unconditional.
Funeral services for Robert will be held Wednesday, May 13th at 11:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Due to the limit on participants in the building, his service can be watched online by visiting www.mercadantefuneral.com and clicking live services. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Laraia
Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.
Edward A Barrette
May 17, 2021
I loved Bobby and I'm sorry that I didn't get this Sooner. Terry I love you too.
Kelle Snape
May 17, 2020
Dear Terry, Gina and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love the video it looks like you have many wonderful memories of Bob
Love
Kelle Flynn Snape
Rob Cournoyer
May 14, 2020
I didnt know Bob that well, but from what I got, he was humble, a man of few words & an encyclopedia when it came to plants. He will be missed. God Bless Bob.
Steven Gallo
May 13, 2020
I enjoyed talking with Bob at the family annual 4th of July party. He will be missed.
Jeremy, Jen & Jack Sinkus
May 13, 2020
To a sweet loving man who loved plants and flowers and birds
Brian Sullivan Paul Bucci
May 12, 2020
We were reminiscing about when we first met Ric back in the 70s and soon after learned that when you get to know one Laraia you will soon get to know all the Laraias. One by one what special friends you would all become. But little did we know back then what a close, enduring friendship we would have with Bob. Many recollections of being at your home, being down in the yard, from Pippen to Phil, sharing Rosies sometimes crowded but always welcoming table and memories of Rosie yelling Hey Bob" down to the greenhouse. Memories of being out carousing with Bob and the guys, Jai alai, roller skating long ago and a lifetime of memories with our cherished friend. Were so honored to have had the privilege of sharing so much time on this earth with Bob and the entire Laraia family.
Julie Ross
May 12, 2020
Bobby called me about two months ago, we chatted and reminisced for almost an hour about the greenhouse, plants and various wanderings down memory lane. My flower beds are full of plants from Bobby's (and Red's) gardens hostas, yuccas and lots of vinca that remind me of him often. I know I am not alone! About two weeks ago, the vinca started blooming and still look lovely despite the snow covering last week.
I found myself thinking that it was 1970 that I met Ricky at a "hippy" shop on Highland Ave. We became fast friends, and it was only shortly after that I started my friendships with Bobby, Terry, and Red, and Butchie and Joe, and, of course, Rosie.
Fifty years! Friends of the heart truly do last that long. I have been so lucky!
The last words Bobby and I said to each other were I love you and I love you too. Every time I see my periwinkle carpet of flowering vinca, I'll think of Bobby. And our last words
You are all in my heart; and my heart goes out to you all at this difficult time.
JOSEPH DANGELO
May 12, 2020
Terry ... so saddened to hear of Bobby's passing. May sweet memories ease the pain and hasten the day when the thought of him brings a smile to your lips instead of a tear to your eye. Condolences to your brothers, niece, family and Phil. Deepest sympathy....... Joey
Jeffrey Gerardi
May 12, 2020
May Gods light shine upon you. Ur will has been done.. Wearyness n pain, no more. The Peace of, is urs, as is the heavens. May u find comfort in and from those, who have gone before, and smile n watch over those, that u leave behind.. Amen.
Mike Hull
May 12, 2020
Red, Butch and Teresa,
So sorry for your loss. Bob was such a kind and caring soul with an infectious smile. He remains in my prayers. Rest in peace.
Joseph Barry
May 12, 2020
Although I hadn't seen Bobby for a long time I cherish the many memories I have from years ago . Bob was a kind and gentle soul; his enthusiasm for life was contagious. I'll miss him very much . I know we all will.
Maria (Gina) Sciannameo
May 12, 2020
Dear Laraia family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Will miss him, and his cream puffs, at Sarahs fall gathering! Please know that he, and all of you are in my prayers. May he rest in Peace.
Vittoria (Sciannameo)Mastrocola
May 12, 2020
My deepest sympathy ,thoughts and prayers are with you all family and friends in this time of sorrow .As you share ,talk and remember, may you find that the one you loved so much is still living in your harts. RIP.amen
Robert & Ronnie
Ronnie Crowder
May 11, 2020
Hi Robert, I miss you and always will. One thing I love about you was the unique relationships you had with everyone who came in contact with you. Long or short term, you had your way of letting all of us know just how special we are...to you. No wonder you have an infinity of friends and loved ones. One of my favorite memories with you was when we, and cousin Johnny, saw the Moody Blues at the Boston Garden, November of 81. This was my last bit of fun before entering Air Force basic training. Im glad I shared with you and Johnny, thank you...love you.
May his soul soar freely into the eternal night.
RONALD CHARBONNEAU
May 11, 2020
Bobbie was a wonderful friend who had a kind, gentle and loving nature; a wicked sense of humor, a dry laugh and a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. I am grateful for the many good times that we shared together in the past. He lightened our lives with his warmth, openness and love. R.I.P. Ribit!
Sue and Al Peloquin
May 11, 2020
Al and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Beautiful smile and I know deeply missed. Sincere sympathy.
Marsha Mendys
May 11, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man and friend. He will be missed.
May 11, 2020
So sad to read about Bobby's passing. Hoping he didn't suffer very long. Such a kind and talented man who I'm sure will be sorely missed.
Lori and Jon Delaney
May 10, 2020
Bobby was one of a kind! Biggest heart and amazing smile! I will cherish him in my heart until we meet again. He was a pleasant soul that loved without conditions. Jon and I send our condolences to our family. We lost a one of a kind lover of life and family. See you on the other side, Bobby! Say Hi to my papa!!!
Cynthia St Germain
May 10, 2020
There are no words. Bob was much loved. I have wonderful and loving memories of him...His gentle way of being will be missed.
Condolences to his family and friends.
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Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
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