Robert J. “Bobby” Puleo Jr., who grew up in Chelsea, graduated from Chelsea High School in 1962, served four years in the Air Force and ran his own sub shops and pizza places for years, died at his home in Chelsea on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
He enlisted in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1967, then came home to Chelsea and went into the food business. Later he kept busy delivering for area florists. He golfed whenever he could, followed every Boston team, watched old movies, and looked forward all year to family trips to Las Vegas. He made friends fast and talked without a filter, which made him more of them.
His parents were Robert J. Puleo Sr. and Bianca (Christoforo) Puleo. His sister, Catherine Amato, died before him; her husband, Salvatore Amato, a retired Chelsea firefighter, survives him. The nieces and nephews he was closest to are Lisa Rossetti (and Richard) in Wakefield, Annmarie Sherzi (and Mark) in West Peabody, Joseph Amato (and Diane) in Marlborough, Rosemarie MacNeil (and Joseph) in Ossipee, New Hampshire, and Robert Amato in Everett.
A memorial visitation is Thursday, September 17 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Vertuccio Smith and Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach Street, Revere, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. and entombment at the Woodlawn Cemetery columbarium in Everett. The family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Compiled from information published by Vertuccio Smith & Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach Street, Revere. Photograph courtesy of the family via Vertuccio Smith & Vazza. This is our own summary, not the family’s obituary; read the full obituary and leave a condolence at the funeral home’s page on Legacy.com. Corrections: we will fix any error promptly.