Robert Joseph Saiia

Robert Joseph Saiia of Lunenburg, MA, affectionately known as Bob or Bobby, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. Bob was a loving husband to Donna and a devoted father to his daughter Tricia Back and son Michael Saiia.

Born in Buffalo, New York (1944), Bob was proud of the days he spent working at The Bankers Life Insurance Company in Buffalo, NY~ later Principal Financial Group, where he was known for his dedication and hard work. As his career progressed, he was promoted and moved his family to Westerville, Ohio, where he became a proud Buckeye fan. His colleagues remember him as a kind and supportive mentor who always had a joke to share. He always held dear the memories of his days as a camp counselor at Camp Weona, just outside of Buffalo, NY. He also had a passion for coaching, whether it be his own children or once they were grown, volunteering as a football coach at Lunenburg High School. Bob also was very proud of the time he served on the Lunenburg Planning Board.

Known as the life of the party, Bob valued every friendship, especially his lifelong friends from Frontier High School, where he graduated in 1962, affectionately calling themselves, HAAC-Hamburg Attitude Adjustment Club. Each and every friendship he made throughout his 81 years of life left an impact on him and he couldn’t go anywhere without making a new friend. His infectious laughter and warm spirit made him a beloved friend to all.

Bob loved listening to Jazz, Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli. He loved traveling to Italy and Europe with his wife Donna, but his favorite place to travel was Indiana where he could spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was the best Grandpa around to his two grandchildren, Renee and Anthony; they were his pride and joy and he would do just about anything to put a smile on their faces. He was always their biggest cheerleader and supporter and loved attending all their various events and activities. Bob adored his time with his family and his dogs, loved sports and he especially loved celebrating his Italian heritage. He took great pride in his roots and enjoyed sharing stories of his family's traditions and history.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Saiia, daughter Tricia Back (Robert Back), son Michael Saiia, grandchildren, Renee Back (19) and Anthony Back (18), stepchildren Christina Gallagher and Michael Gallagher, sister Kathy Krasowski, nieces Tracy Ensminger (Jeff Ensminger) and Julie Reinstein (Craig Reinstein), Linda Saiia Ross, and his five great nephews and one great niece.

Arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.