from bob's family
Pictures from Susi, Kelley-Jo, Bobby, Lindsay, Sue & Brendan's time together in Lynn at Big Bob's condo (March 2021)
So 72 years of memories flying around in my snow globe. Too hard to pick and choose what should be written. I was very lucky to have had my brother for those years. He made you believe in superman, and good always prevails over evil, and that hard work will not kill you. I was the baby sista, not the parent, child or wife. I drew a pass for saying the outrageous, calling him on the b/s, he would look up, smile, and shake his head. I never doubted his love, caring, or loyalty. He had an impact on many and he’ll be missed by so many more.
On behalf of my brother and our families, I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to all that have been touched by this covid curse. Precious lives and time lost. Huge holes where our loved ones were.
Bon Voyargee Bob (yes I know the spellings off, it’s a family thing)
We’ll miss you forever
Tony and Janet Roulusonis Andon
When he swaggered in with his West End jacket on, it was a happening.
He loved hard work, kind of thrived on it.
He loved being a gentleman, he loved to pay, he loved his beloved West End and the friends that could relate.
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Kathryn Gianno
Love you, Tough Guy..
Can't believe you're gone.
RIP see you when I get there!
It's hard to know where to begin... my "Unc" Uncle Bob is so entwined with many family memories. When I think back to my first impressions of Unc I hear his booming voice of authority that was meant to bring lesser mortals to heal. I can say I was one of the quakers hoping his focus did not land on me... until later on as an adult I realized the glint in his eyes told a different story. Most things he did were for his amusement and most of the time we did not disappoint in contributing to the hilarity he gleaned from teaching a life lesson. Somehow, he was always a few steps ahead like he had the book of knowledge memorized. Certainly not perfect but perfect all the same.
He danced and sang to his own beat and was the best dancer I have ever seen; I know anytime my mother had the chance to dance with him it was a highlight for her! He was always ready for action and made you want to stand at attention too! He inspired you to be the best you could be and he did this by example. His physique was honed by years of discipline and as my mom said made you believe in "Superman."
It is beyond me how he can be gone now and taken from us in the most deceitful way... an invisible enemy that swooped in and carried him away. The only consolation I have in this is that he is certainly not suffering and I am sure he has his pick of dance partners where he is! One time when we still lived in Andover he came to the house with one of the 442's on the trailer. I had never been to the races and begged him to start up the car. He did of course and I almost jumped out of my shoes at how loud it was. I decided in that moment I would never be going to the drag way but I would never admit that because I thought it was so cool to have an Unc that raced on "Suuunnndaaayyy."
Christmas eve is a big holiday for our family and aside from the amazing food there were always poker games, with the regular games, until Unc joined in and of course created his own game, I think it was called Broderick Crawford - 10-4... I can hear the groans from the participants because this game could create or loose fortunes in one hand. A huge pot maker with many bets... it was great! Later in the years we did Yankee swaps and Unc always had a bag full of "interesting items" certainly an electronic of some type and a cellophane wrapped travel blanket of which I still have a couple... I smile just thinking of those moments when people would unwrap the items and hardly know how to react...awkward moments are the best!
A more recent holiday memory is at my home in Haverhill where Unc was holding court at the long dining table and he had a trick he wanted to perform for us... The trick involved twisting a paper napkin into a rocket and setting it on fire... Yes we really let him do this... He of course had a pitcher of water at the ready but we were still not prepared for the napkin to gain altitude and begin raining down fiery ashes all over the tablecloth singeing it forever more. It caused quite a commotion but the laughter is all I hear...
The music plays on as does his spirit! Love you Unc! You are missed and will never be forgotten!
Kimmy
From Martin Smith
I have many memories of Big Bob, most people remember. But one that always stuck out, going to a Red Sox game with little Bob and Grandpa and of course Big Bob. The Sox lost, but they had a catcher named Eric Wedge. He hit a home run earlier in the game. But as the Sox were losing, seeing Big Bob cheering and yelling "Wedgie, Wedgie, Wedgie" as he came up to bat again, made me realize at the young age I was, that he wasn't always such a serious drill Sargent, but was also a fun lovable guy as well. I also remember, whenever we happened to go out to eat, didn't really matter what was on the menu or where we were, if fish and chips was available (which it always seemed it was) that was his side meal for his bowl of lemons. Rest in peace Big Bob,
the music is a little softer without you to turn it up.
I am honored to have met "Major Bob" when my daughter, Lindsay, married his son, Bob, and the "in-law" connection was forever established. Though our paths rarely crossed after the wedding, Lindsay and Bob often told me stories that made me know "Major Bob" better, made me admire him, and, of course, most often made me laugh. (It would have been great fun to dance with him sometime...I love music and love to dance, too!)
When I found out he was sick with COVID, I just knew that his "Superman" strength and character would prevail and he would walk out of that hospital to return home to live out more days and years doing all the things he loved to do and continue to be the "larger than life" force that touched so many lives.
My heart breaks for Bob and Lindsay, Kelley-Jo, Susie, Deren, Brendan, Sue, and the rest of the Roulusonis family
and extended family.
Major Bob, thank you for loving my daughter, Lindsay, and welcoming her into your family with so much love and warmth. Major Bob, thank you for raising your son, Bob, to follow in your footsteps with the same strength and character that you lived by.
God's blessings and comfort to the entire Roulusonis family and extended family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to all.
- Lisa Hayes