Robert Joseph Merando

Bob was the general manager of Dooley’s East Lansing during its entire run from 1973-1996, a career he loved immensely. He cherished the opportunity to promote work ethic and leadership to his college student employees and was so proud of the successful careers and family lives they built as adults.

Prior to Dooley’s, Bob also worked for the Office of Criminal Justice Programs for the State of Michigan.

He was born November 1, 1944 in New York City to Armand and Carmella (Scrignieri) Merando, and was raised in Springfield, Pennsylvania, graduating from Springfield High School in 1962 and excelling in golf and football. He began college at the University of Houston before transferring to Michigan State University, where he graduated with a degree in special education and served as a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Bob’s personality was infectious and irreverent, and he never met a stranger. He was generous, accepting and loyal. He loved golf, travel and music, and really loved donuts and his ever-present cup of coffee. He exercised and socialized daily at the Michigan Athletic Club, referring to himself as the Mayor of the MAC. He was a devoted Michigan State sports fan and was proud to have earned honorary membership into the MSU Varsity S Club. He never forgot his roots, often traveling back to PA to visit dear friends and relive happy memories of his growing up years.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marcia; sister-in-law, Carol DeMario (Craig Van Horsten); brothers-in-law, John Condon and Marty Condon; nieces and nephews, Mike (Tammy) and Jill Condon, Gina DeMario, Chris (Caroline) DeMario and Jenny (Brad) McCulloch; and Holly and Craig Van Horsten; great nieces and nephews, Lydia and Colleen Condon, Camden and Reid DeMario and Jackson McCulloch. He was pre-deceased by his parents; beloved aunt, Rosella Scrignieri; in-laws, John and Frances Condon; adored brother-in-law, Mike DeMario and sister-in-law, Cathy Condon.

The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home (East Lansing, Michigan location), 1730 E. Grand River Ave., east of Hagadorn Rd. (517-337-9745), Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 from 4-8 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 MAC Ave., East Lansing, Michigan (517-337-9778), Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at 11 a.m. Visitation begins at the church at 10 a.m. Livestream available at: www.facebook.com/elsacraments/videos/1039370616612325.

Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing, MI 48915 or the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.GorslineRuncimanEastLansing.com