Bob was born in Rome, NY to George and Hilda Mellay on April 30, 1945. He attended Rome Free Academy graduating in 1963. While at RFA, Bob played football and excelled in swimming and track, setting several school records for both sports. He attended Colgate University before opening his own business that specialized in foreign car maintenance and repair. Bob then worked for Carbone Auto Group in various capacities before retiring after more than 20 years as a Service Manager. He then followed his dream of living on his sailboat and traveled extensively on Aurora and then Tao. Bob returned to land in the early 2000’s to design and self-build his dream home with a chef's kitchen in Florida for his love of cooking and later built a rustic cabin in New York to spend more time with his grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his father, George Mellay in 1948; his mother, Hilda Jones in 2001; his stepfather, Brayton Jones in 2011; and his ex-wife and mother of his daughters, Rebecca Mellay in 2023.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Erin Gannon (Shaun) and Leslie Lewthwaite (Brad); grandchildren, Collin and Jocelyn Gannon, Evan, Ashton, and Hudson Lewthwaite. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Pouliot McMonagle; ex-wife, Sandra Hoerle; and nieces, Linda Pouliot and Jackie Pouliot.
There will be no services or visitation. Arrangements were handled by Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Sarasota, FL. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to SFM Skatepark Project, 1015 Jervis Avenue, Rome, NY 13440.
