Robert James Minichiello – Educator, Musician and Model Train Enthusiast

Robert James Minichiello, 88, of Milton and Manomet Massachusetts, left this world on November 30, 2021 to be reunited in heaven with Patricia, his beloved wife of 61 years.

Bob met Pat, the love of his life, at the age of 16. After marrying in 1957, they built a life centered around their family and their Roman Catholic faith as loyal parishioners of St. Agatha’s in Milton and St. Bonaventure’s in Manomet. Living initially in Dorchester, Bob and Pat moved to Milton in 1968 where they spent 30 years raising a family on Edge Hill Road and summering in Manomet until retiring there in 2004.

Bob is survived by five children who cherish a lifetime of memories: Marie (James) O’Neill, William (Dara) Minichiello, Laura (Tab) Warlitner, John (Kathleen) Minichiello, Julie (Stephen) Coote. Bob was a beloved Grampy to twelve grandchildren in whom he instilled a love of music, trains, ice cream and the beach: Julianne (Drew) DiBenedetto, Robert and James O’Neill; Ryan Minichiello, John (Lauren) Minichiello, Katelyn Minichiello; Brian Warlitner, Kara (Josh) Daniels, Kristen Warlitner; Julia Minichiello; Eaghan and Christian Coote; and was a doting great-grandfather to Amelia, Madeline, and Reagan Daniels. He also leaves behind his brothers William Minichiello, Edward Minichiello and sister Carol Minichiello, and many family members and friends who mourn his passing. He was predeceased by his sister, Cynthia Parfumorse.

Bob’s life was dedicated to his family and friends, with a love of education, music and model trains. He was highly accomplished in so many different things, and most remembered as a humble man, a kind and considerate husband, father, colleague and friend.

The son of Aurelio and Concetta Minichiello, Bob was born on May 24, 1933 and was a child of the Southie projects. After graduating from Boston Latin School, Bob attended Harvard University, where he earned his B.A. as a member of the Class of 1954, joining the U.S. Army after graduation. He continued his education with an MBA at Boston University, before returning to Harvard for his DBA. The published author of Business Policy and Strategy, Concepts and Readings, Bob taught for over 30 years at Northeastern University as a Professor of Marketing where he was a beloved teacher who instilled a love of learning to countless students .

Bob was a gifted musician, playing piano from an early age while also mastering the saxophone. As leader of The Bob Mitchell Trio he was the regular entertainment at school dances and college parties.; and throughout his entire life, he entertained as a member of various combos playing at weddings and parties, was a solo pianist at numerous gatherings and most enjoyed playing tenor sax in The Continentals, an 18-piece swing orchestra that entertained throughout greater Boston.

When not tickling the ivories, Bob could be found tinkering with model train layouts and engines, pouring over magazines and catalogs as a collector of American Flyer model trains. His children and especially grandchildren were always excited to run down the basement stairs to see what Grampy had set up for them – on any given day they might find a Disney layout featuring hidden Mickeys, Big Bird enjoying a winter skating party or an old-fashioned Main Street Scene.

And when not in Milton or Manomet, Bob and Pat were at Disney World, making 27 trips in their retirement years. Bob enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots and spent many hours in gyms, on fields and in auditoriums cheering and watching his children’s and grandchildren’s various activities.

The family is especially grateful for the care and companionship provided by Home Instead of Pembroke, which enabled Bob to remain at home, per his wishes, until just a few weeks prior to his passing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Agatha Church, Milton on Monday December 6, 2021 at 10:30 AM. Visiting hours are at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton Square on Sunday December 5th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. Interment will follow the Mass at Milton Cemetery. The family has requested that masks be worn while indoors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Minichiello Scholarship Fund, P.O.Box 1765, Manomet MA 02345. The family will be setting up a high school scholarship in remembrance of Bob and Pat.