Robert Frank Massaferi

Bob passed away on February 15, 2017 at Manor Care Heath Services, Pike Creek.  Born in Dalton, PA on April 5, 1922, he graduated from Dalton HS in 1940.  He subsequently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 36 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

Serving as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant in World War II, Bob served 35 months in combat operations in the South Pacific, including Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu. 

A graduate of the USMC Officers Candidate School and  Motor Transport School, he continued his training in weapons, demolitions, and transport management, and was later called back into active duty, serving in the Korean War.  Bob later served as a three-year tour of duty as the commanding officer of the Marine Detachment, of the USMC Reserves.

Upon his return from World War II, Bob graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College, and later, his Masters degree at NYU in 1949.  An athlete, Bob played soccer at ESSTC, and continued his love of sports by officiating basketball, baseball and soccer in his later years.  He began his career in education in Florida, later moving to Delaware, teaching Science and Driver’s Education.  He served as the Supervisor for Driver’s Education for the State of Delaware, and later was named the Director of Transportation for the newly-formed New Castle County School District, and later the Newark and Christina School Districts.

A member of the Board of Directors for the Delaware Safety Council, Bob also served  as a member of the Governor’s Council of Highway Safety under several gubernatorial administrations.  He was recognized by the Delaware House of Representatives for his major contributions in safety education, and received an Award of Excellence upon retirement by the State Board of Education.

An avid traveler and along with his military commitments, he loved to travel with his family to Europe, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and his homeland of Italy.

He enjoyed working with his hands, and could be found in his garage or basement repairing, building, or working on a home project.  Bob also enjoy gardening and landscaping.

 Married for 66 years, Bob was predeceased by his son Chris in 2012, and leaves behind his wife Caroline, son Bob and granddaughter Sarah.  A born leader, great father and husband, he will be missed by many.

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Bob may be made to the Disabled Amercian Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 (www.dav.org).

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