Obituaries

Robert C. “Bob” Melucci, age 74, died unexpectedly on December 18, 2015.
Born in Scranton on May 16, 1941, son of the late John & Mary (Perry) Melucci, Bob was a graduate of both West Scranton High School and the University of Scranton. He earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Virginia Tech. For 45 years, he was a chemistry professor for the Community College of Philadelphia. Bob was an avid reader, enjoyed bicycling, cooking, gardening and traveling to Europe. He spoke fluent Italian and German.
Bob would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Because of his nature as a “Good Samaritan”, he was shot in the neck 23 years ago after stopping his 12 speed bicycle to help two bikers on a pathway along the Schuylkill in Center City, Philadelphia. Even after enduring this horrific trauma, he was never bitter nor unforgiving of his assailant. No one arrives at this height of heroism without possessing an unbelievable sense of forgiveness and inner strength that could turn cruelty into kindness. He will forever be missed.
Bob was married for 37 years to Ira Joel Sartorius who survives him. He is also survived by his niece, Maureen Welby Faux and son, Christropher of Timonium, Maryland; nephews, John Welby of Baltimore, Maryland; Louis Melucci of Clarks Summit, and Rick Melucci of Old Forge; and many great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Louis Melucci, Sr.; sisters, Evelyn Melucci and Norma Welby; and a brother-in-law, Cornelius “Buddy” Welby.
Memorial services were held on January 30th at the Foulkeways at Gwynedd. Local arrangements, Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.