Robert E. Melican, 63, a lifelong resident of Worcester, MA, died in St. Vincent Hospital on October 28, 2009 after a difficult battle with pneumonia.
Born in Worcester on August 11, 1946 to the late Lillian C. (Langton) Melican and George M. Melican, Bob grew up on Hitchcock Road with his older brother, the late George P. Melican and sister Maureen Kennedy of Auburn. Bob attended Freeland Street School in Worcester and later St. Peter's Grammar School, graduating from St John's High School in Shrewsbury. Bob graduated from Worcester State College where he met his loving wife of 40 years, Beth and a long list of friends and colleagues who played an important part in both his personal and professional life to its end. Bob went on to receive his Masters in education from WSC and later a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He began his education career in 1969 as a 6th grade teacher at the Peaslee School in Northborough. In 1971 he became a Math teacher at the Northborough Middle School, the year of its opening, serving in that capacity for five years, until June of 1976. At that time he split his duties between teaching math at the Northborough Middle School as well as in an expanded role as an Administrative Assistant in this same school. In 1984, Bob was appointed Assistant to the Superintendent of the Northborough/Southborough and Algonquin Regional Districts, and in 1986 became the Assistant Superintendent for the three Northborough and Southborough school districts. On September 10, 1996, he was appointed Superintendent for the three Districts.
While a full list of Bobs achievements, awards and accolades would not fit on this page, some of note include: Secretary/Treasurer of the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association, President of the Board of Trustees for the Worcester Vocational School District, Vice-President and President of the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association, service on the Tri-County Board for School Superintendents, a seat on the Advisory Board for Education at Worcester State College, member of the Executive Board of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, named Massachusetts Superintendent of the year in 2004 and at the time of his passing, Bob proudly served as a Vice-President of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. The personal highlight of his career occurred on May 31, 2002 when the Northborough Middle School where he taught math 30 years earlier was renamed the Robert E. Melican Middle School, which will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public education.
Bob is survived by his loving Wife and best friend of 40 years Beth (Barry) Melican of Worcester, a son Brendan B. Melican and daughter in-law Iris A. Lyons of Worcester, and a daughter Sarah E. Melican of South Boston. Bob also leaves an enormous hole in the life of one grandchild, Oliver L. Melican also of Worcester. A sister, Maureen Kennedy of Auburn was a tireless companion to her little brother over a difficult, final two years. While a long list of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and friends spread across the country remained an integral part of the family and served as the foundation of Bob’s life, providing endless joy and countless memories.
Bob was predeceased by his loving parents George M. Melican (1998), Lillian C. (Langton) Melican (1999) both of Worcester and his big brother, George P. Melican (1999) of Orange, CA. Bob gave these three individuals much credit for his accomplishments, it was by their example Bob learned the importance of service to ones community, which remained the driving force throughout his life.
The funeral is Monday, November 2nd from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, November 1st from 3:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Robert E. Melican Memorial Scholarship Fund" c/o the Northborough/Southborough Regional School District, 53 Parkerville Road, Southborough, MA 01772
While Bobs life would be considered full by any measure, at the time of his death he considered his life work far from complete. May his passing inspire you to pick up where he left off.