Published March 20, 2020

MELROSE — Robert J. Plagenza, 63, of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at home.

Robert was born November 26, 1956 in Chelsea, the son of the late Frank and Gena R. (DiGianni) Plagenza. He grew up in Wakefield and has resided in Melrose for the past 30 years.

He volunteered at the Horizon House in Wakefield where he enjoyed cooking and cleaning. He was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and also enjoyed working at Home Depot.

Robert was a loving and caring person. He loved animals and was a sports enthusiast. Everyone who knew Robert loved him and his outgoing personality.

He is survived by his siblings, Judy Riess of Melrose, Rachel White of Falmouth and Vincent Plagenza of the Vermont Veterans Home. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephew, Amanda Ham, Laura Jones, Jessica Rittenhour, Andrew White, Lindsay White, Stephanie Plagenza, Kimberly Plagenza and Emily Plagenza.

Due to the new directive from the State of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, and the current health concerns, the visitation, funeral services and the interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, West Peabody, will all be private. Please feel free to send a card to family members, drop a card at the funeral home for the family or leave a message of online condolence at gatelyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to The Horizon House, 78 Water St., Wakefield, MA 01880.