Robert Walter Melerine Jr.

Robert Walter Melerine Jr. “Big Rob”, a native of St. Bernard, LA passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the age of 67, after a battle with cancer. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Tammy Alfonso Melerine for the past 11 years. He is the former husband and close friend of Barbara Nunez Schiro. Robert is also survived by his three children from his first marriage, Shannon Mistrot (Bart Sr.), Becky Grant (Shane), and Kelli Showalter (Shane) and from his second marriage, his step-son Shayne Luwisch (Tricia); sisters Lois Johnson (Joe) and Leona Russell (Jack); brothers-in-law, Anthony LaGreco, Billy & Mark Nunez, Richard Gonzales Jr. (Willie Ann), Angelo "Joe" Gonzales (Debbie), Ricky Gonzales (Amy) and Rene Gonzales; mother-in-law Lillian Gonzales, sisters-in-law Robin Hernandez (Punchy) and Lisa Barnett (Leon); along with a host of nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. He was a loving grandfather and adored his four grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Walter Melerine Sr. and Leona Hernandez Melerine; and by his three sisters Marie LaGreco, Roberta "Bobbie" Melerine and Thelma Serigne (Joe); step-son Freddy Luwisch VI; mother-in-law Marie Nunez and fathers-in-law Bill Nunez Sr. and Richard "Kayo” Gonzales; and sister-in-law Bambi Gonzales. Robert was born on April 14, 1949 and graduated from St. Bernard High School, where he was a member of the football team. He was employed as a Captain with the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department and retired after 25 years of service. Robert was a co-owner of M&M Electric and was employed after retirement with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Robert was a descendant of the Canary Islanders and a proud member of the Los Islenos Heritage and Cultural Society. His hobbies were hunting and carpentry. Robert was also a loyal LSU Tigers & New Orleans Saints fan, as he had a great love for the game of football. He was also a musician who loved to sing and dance and played multiple instruments like the guitar and piano. Robert was a member of Barry and the Outlanders Band in the 60's. Special thanks to Mr. Aron Daughtry, Father Patrick Wattigny, Father Augustine Appiah, Deacon Norman Billiot, The Nehlig Family, Brien & Sharon Ruiz, Huey & Freda Pizani, Avis Juan, Randy Borne & the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department, Lorraine Hernandez, Lisa Barnett, Bebe Prats, Shane Grant, Joe “Coach” Schiro, Billy Nunez and Dr. Joe E. Johnson Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and on Wednesday, August, 31, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, St. Bernard, LA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family to help with funeral expenses.