LONGMEADOW – Robert E. Minalga, 76, of Longmeadow, beloved husband of Diane VanDyke Minalga, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017. Born in Westfield, MA on April 17, 1941, he was the son of the late Stanley and Martha Minalga. Bob worked for many years at Texon in Russell before retirement. In his retirement, he worked as a crossing guard in Longmeadow, a job that he loved every day, putting a smile on the faces of all the children who were fortunate enough to see him every morning and afternoon. He will be missed by many family and friends in Longmeadow and beyond.
Besides his wife Diane, he leaves 3 children, Robert E. Minalga, Jr. (Mary) of Shrewsbury, Jeffrey Minalga (Kim) of Ellington, CT, and Tracey Menders (Steve) of Waterford, CT; 3 step-children, Melinda Rea (Tony), Marybeth Minardi (Joe), and Michael Oakes; 11 grandchildren, Alex Minalga, Kalie, Jayson and Sam Menders, Michael and Ciara Rea, Olivia, Alexa, Hanna, Laura Minardi, and Joe Minardi Jr. (Aislinn).
His family will receive friends on Thursday, May 25th from 10-11 AM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, followed by a Funeral Home Service at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Longmeadow Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Dakin Animal Shelter, 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105.
His family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. David Bishop, Mercy 5th Floor and the Jewish Geriatric Services, New York Unit, for their compassion and care of Bob.
www.forastiere.com.
