Robert Owen Kolligian, 76, of Worcester passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Robert, affectionately known as Bob or Nish, the son of Nishan and Rose (Kasian) Kolligian was born in Worcester. He graduated from North High School and the former Worcester Junior College. Bob received his bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University and Masters in Education from Worcester State College.
Bob worked as a history and social studies teacher at West Boylston Junior-Senior High School for many years and retired from Narragansett Regional High School after twenty-five years. He also served in the U.S. Army as a surgical technician/medical corpsman. Bob met many friends over the years during his part time job bartending at local golf/country clubs.
Bob was especially proud of his Armenian heritage and was a life-long member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. He was a member of the Men's Clubs both at his church as well as St. James in Watertown. Bob loved wintering in the Siesta Keys and he was a "big sports guy", who loved following the Red Sox and was looking forward to seeing the new Woo Sox in Worcester.
Bob is survived by his wife Barbara Leamy-Kolligian and his daughter Andrea Kolligian of Watertown, a sister Carole N. Naumes of Shrewsbury and a large extended family and many life-long friends. Bob was predeceased by a sister, Marian Schollard.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Richard Palken at UMASS, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, VNA Care Hospice and Laura's Angels for their care and compassion during Bob's illness.
Out of an abundance of caution the Funeral Service is private. Bob's family and friends are asked to gather at the entrance of Hope Cemetery on Monday, February 1 at Noon to join Bob's procession for a Graveside Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be submitted to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester or to Hope Lodge in Boston at www.cancer.org/hopelodgeboston.