Robert B. Pugliese, Sr.

Robert B. “Bobby” Pugliese, Sr. 77, a lifelong resident of Worcester, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 2026, with the ones he loved gathered at his bedside after a nine-year battle with cancer. Bobby is reunited in heaven with his son Bobby Jr. who passed away in an auto accident in 2006.

Bobby was born in Worcester, a son of Genevieve (Tomaiolo) and William M. Pugliese, Sr. He graduated from Doherty Memorial High School in 1967 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving his country proudly during Vietnam aboard DD 850 the U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Notably, his ship is part of the Battleship Cove museum in Fall River. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting “his ship” with family and friends giving tours of where he worked, ate, and slept. After he was discharged, Bobby worked most of his life for Saxton and Serrato sign companies as an installation technician. Once he retired, not willing to just sit still, he accepted a position with U.S.A. Marine, where he absolutely loved delivering boats for customers to many lakes along the East Coast.

Bobby is survived by the “Love of his Life” for the last 55 years, Elaine V. (Verdolino) Pugliese; a daughter, Lisa M. Moore, daughter in law, Sarah A. Moore, and beloved granddaughter, Jillian L. Dirsa. He also leaves behind three siblings, Michael M. Pugliese of Dundee IL, Mark R. Pugliese and his wife Vickie of Shrewsbury, and Mary J. Pugliese of Worcester. Many nieces, nephews extended family and friends. In addition to his son, Bobby and parents, a brother William M. Pugliese, Jr. predeceased him.

Bob was an avid competitive fisherman, a member of the Worcester County Basser’s, winning many tournaments earning him the nickname of “the Bassmaster” by family and friends. He especially loved vacationing with family and fishing at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. He was a member, mentor and two-time commander of the American Legion Vernon Hill Post. Along with his fellow legionnaires, they developed the “Bobby Pugliese, Jr.” Scholarship in his son's name, providing scholarships benefiting students at the Seven Hills Charter Public School, where Lisa is a counselor. Bobby’s greatest love was his family, however fishing, his boat, and his fishing buddies were a very close second! Bob will be remembered for his gentle and kind ways, his constant Dad jokes, being willing and able to fix anything for anyone and being an all-around good human.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for a period of calling hours from 9:30 am to 11:00 am followed by a prayer service Friday, September 11th in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street. He will be reunited with Bobby with Navy Honors in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston Ma.