Robert Anthony Maresca

Bob was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY on September 16, 1934, one of four children to the late Louis and Vincenza Maresca. He graduated from Regis High School in Manhattan on scholarship, commuting daily from Bay Ridge. He then continued his commute to the Bronx to attend Manhattan College, while working several jobs to cover all costs. He majored in Accounting and signed up for the ROTC program. Following graduation, he was off to the Air Force for a three year stint, first to Texas training to be a navigator, then 18 months in Presque Isle, Maine. He worked for a public accounting firm for 5 years after the service, passed his CPA tests and then landed a life-changing position at Metromedia Company. There Bob was fortunate to have a long and successful 39 year career, advancing to upper accounting and financial positions, before retiring in early 2010, at the age of 75. He was a very dedicated and hardworking individual who demonstrated an impeccable work ethic.

Bob met his wife, Pat, on a blind date on one of his Air Force leaves; a beautiful blond, green eyed young nurse whose parents were immigrants from Ireland. This started a love affair with all things Irish, especially his wife. They married in 1963, and over the next ten years, they became proud parents of five children. They first lived in Brooklyn, NY and then moved to Hicksville, LI in January of 1972. Bob was an extremely hands-on Dad and family meant the world to him. He was all in for attending sporting events, competitions, school functions, college campuses, and of course, the weekly family outings.

During the later years, Bob and Pat enjoyed many spectacular vacations together all over the world, thanks to Pat’s initiative and meticulous planning! They had travel adventures to most of Europe, Aruba, cruises with the family to Bermuda and the Bahamas, and many noteworthy domestic destinations. Their special slice of heaven was Marco Island, FL where they have enjoyed winter months for 28 years with family and friends nearby.

Born in New York, Bob was a die-hard Mets and Giants fan. He was an avid runner, beginning in mid-life, completing 7 marathons and multiple half-marathons and races all over Long Island. The annual “Marathon Sunday” party on the deck every May was the highlight of the year competing for the “RAM trophy”. He was a statistician who loved spread sheets and numbers of any kind. Bob loved his garden and planting flowers, and spent many afternoons outside the house cultivating and enjoying their beauty. But first and foremost, Bob was a deeply religious and spiritual man, attending daily mass and trying his best to live his life according to the tenets and teachings of his Catholic faith. He truly was an exceptional man who will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Patricia (“Pat”) of nearly 59 years. He is also the beloved father of Donna (Mike) Curley, Tricia (Michael) Freedman, Robert (Amy Cashwell) Maresca, Kevin (Beth Anne) Maresca, and Paul (Lauren) Maresca. He is the cherished “Poppy” to his 11 grandchildren: Jacob, Sam, Rachel, Andrew, Luke, Ian, Megan, Kara, Josh, Troy and Clay.

He is also survived by his loving older brother Louis, and his sister-in-law Theresa, as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was also pre-deceased by his brother Andrew, his sister Anne, and his sister-in-law Ellie.

The family would like to extend their heart felt appreciation to NYU Langone Hematology/Oncology department and staff for all the compassionate care he received over the past year. A special thank you to Bob and Pat’s neighbors, especially his close friend Joe Doria, for all of their love and support during the years.

Calling hours will be held Monday September 5th, 2022 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Wagner Funeral Home, 125 West Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday September 6th at 10 am at Holy Family Church, 17 Fordham Ave, Hicksville, NY with a luncheon to follow after the burial.

Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Regis High School Scholarship fund or The Saint Francis Inn Ministries, Philadelphia PA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VernonCWagnerFuneralHome.com for the Maresca family.