Adam Robert DeMella, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 1, 2021. He was on hospice after a long battle with Covid-19 related complications.

Adam was born in the Bronx, NY on March 17, 1943, son of the late Adam and Therese DeMella. They chose to call him “Bob” or “Bobby”.

During his senior year of high school, Bob’s parents moved to Dix Hills, NY where he graduated from South Huntington High School. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Bob was proud to serve his country and even fought in the Bay of Pigs and was present on the ship that picked up John Glenn. After an honorable discharge, Bob attended Ohio State University, majoring in economics.

Bob married Maria Lupinacci on June 23, 1968. Together they raised 5 wonderful children while living in Suffolk County, Long Island.

Bob thoroughly enjoyed his work as a “Class A” HVAC technician. He quickly became known as the person to call when something couldn’t be figured out. He truly was an expert in his field. Bob even invented a crucial part of the Weil-McLain oil burner to ensure it ran more efficiently.

Bob was always friendly and helpful to everyone he met. He loved to read the Harvard Classics and cook. He made the best chicken marsala! He was well versed in history and literature. In his later years, he enjoyed watching crime dramas and old re-runs of Mash. Nothing pleased him more than a hot cup of coffee and a cigarette first thing in the morning.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charles Joseph and his younger brother John.

He is survived by his wife, Maria, his daughters, Maryann Parrish , Madonna Krsnak and Rebecca DeMella and his son, Adam DeMella; his grandchildren, Alexander, Matthew, Max, Maya, Sophia, Isabella, Gavin and Adam-Russel. He is also survived by his sisters, Deborah Garetano and Patricia Cherubini, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His viewing and mass will be August 9, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, NC.

Burial and graveside service will be August 10, 2021 at 1 pm at the National Cemetery Annex in Salisbury, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

His family would like to express their utmost appreciation and thanks to the staff at Duke’s Hock Family Pavilion especially Anthony, Jennifer and Anne for their amazing care and compassion during a very difficult time.