Robert G. "Bob" Maria Print E-mail

Robert G. “Bob” Maria

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Local Businessman

Robert G. “Bob” Maria fell asleep in the arms of our Lord on June 29, 2019.

He was a loving husband of 56 years to Elaine Morphis Maria. Bob was born on August 2, 1939 and would have celebrated his 80th birthday next month. He was the son of the late George and Faye Maria and was a lifelong resident of Lowell, the city he so loved!

Bob was educated in Lowell Public Schools; graduating from Lowell High School in 1957. He then traveled by train for five years, as he attended Northeastern University;  He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. In 2013 and 2015, Northeastern University honored Bob as a “Golden Graduate”. He processed into the Graduation Ceremony  simultaneously as his granddaughters were also graduating.

After college, he began working for his loving brother Fred at Central Electric Company of Lowell, MA. In 1987, Fred passed away and Bob assumed the duties of President. He renamed the company Lowell Central Electric, and expanded the business to over 45 employees. He considered ALL of them an extension of his family.

1n 1984, Bob with Elaine by his side, opened Design Lighting in North Andover, MA. The retail lighting showroom served the residential and commercial lighting needs of clients across the Merrimack Valley and the North Shore for over thirty years. It now operates as a commercial lighting office in Lowell.

Bob was a lifelong parishioner of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Lowell, MA where he served in many capacities over the last 56 years as Board member, Officer, current Parish Council President and Generous Benefactor. In 1985 he was honored with an induction into the Order of St. Ignatius, of which he was an esteemed member.

Bob was known for his amazing mathematical mind. He could rattle off numbers as if they were on the back of his hand. His family, employees, and fellow parishioners valued Bob’s sound advice and will forever remember him as a clear forward thinker and generous spirit. He was a true Pillar of the Community.

Bob, with his wife Elaine, cherished family time. He especially enjoyed traveling across the globe with his children and grandchildren. As busy as he was running several businesses, he always made time for his family.

Beside his wife Elaine, Bob is survived by his four children:

Donna and her husband George Christopulos of Andover, John and his wife Stacie of Lowell, Lynda and her husband Dr. Nicholas Rizos of Bedford, N.H., Julie and her husband Mike Grillakis of Lowell.

His eight grandchildren which were his pride and joy:

Maria Christopulos and her fiancé Christopher Kaminski, Kanella Christopulos, Georgina Christopulos, Christopher Rizos, Robert Rizos, George Grillakis, Elayna Grillakis and Julia Maria.

He is also survived by his dear sister, Elizabeth Gavriel of Dracut, MA and his many nieces, nephews, godchildren and cherished cousins and Aunt in Indianapolis. Robert was predeceased by his brother Frederick Maria, and sisters Josephine Nackel and Mary Saba.

Our family would like to thank his amazing doctors at Lahey Clinic; Dr. Richard Patten and Dr. Beth Bouthot. We would like to offer a special thank you to the dedicated team at DaVita Dialysis in Burlington, where he received his treatments and polished his Sudoku skills!

Friends may call at ST. GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 44 BOWERS ST. in LOWELL from 3 to 7 P.M. Tuesday. His Funeral Service will be held in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock followed by his Committal Services at the Westlawn Cemetery in Lowell. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 44 Bowers St., Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL (978) 458-8768.   

 

Condolences (6)
  • Dino & Elizabeth Sarantos  - Sincere Condolences
    Hi Elaine, John, Donna, Julie and Lynda, I am so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We enjoyed a great relationship in business as well as friends for over 50 years. I just heard of this sad news as we were away visiting our daughter in Va. Please accept our most sincere condolences. We will keep your family in prayer for peace and comfort as you mourn your loss. May his memory be forever eternal. God Bless, Dino & Elizabeth Sarantos
  • Ed and Debby Freije  - Bob Maria family
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob was a good friend and we always had great time with him. He will be missed and
  • Brenda P. Maille
    Elaine, John, Donna, Julie and Lynda, I am so saddened and shocked by Bob's passing. It was just 2 weeks ago that I saw Bob and Elaine at the Greek Festival at the Hellenic School. As always, Bob greeted me with such warmth and was so pleasant. He looked so happy to be there with Elaine. I would never have imagined that would be the last time I would see him. I have so many wonderful memories of Bob over the 30 plus years that I have know him. His kindness and respect of others is beyond measure. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathies. Brenda
  • Hermel & Nicole Goulet
    Our condolences to the entire Maria family. May he eternally Rest In Peace. I really enjoyed working with him. God Bless
  • Jean Calder
    Bob Maria was a compassionate sensitive man who could cry so easily and never be embarrassed. He was a wonderful boss and caring friend. Bob was owner and boss who put his employees before himself always. If an employee needed any kind of help financially or otherwise he was there for them. I feel so fortunate to have worked for this family owned business. I got to know all of the Maria family. A family that I think is the greatest role model of what a family should be - I love you all. Because of Bob’s example I am sure the John and the Maria family will continue Bob’s wishes for his company. We all would say”that man will die in that chair”. The dedicated man, Bob Maria. You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my dear friend.
  • Gabe garavanian  - Bob and family
    Sorry for your loss. Your family was so blessed to have such a nice and caring man. Bob was always kind and loving every time I would see him
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