Obituary of Robert J. Storella, Sr.

Robert (Bob) J. Storella was born to Alfonse Storella and Thomasina (De Luca) Storella on December 27, 1933, in Boston, MA.  He had 2 older brothers, John and Tom (now deceased). He grew up in the poor Italian community of East Boston, which remained dear to his heart throughout his life. 

Bob lived most of his life in the Boston area. His high school principal arranged for him to attend Northeastern University in Boston.  There he met his wife , Elaine (Gillis) Storella.  They married in 1956 and had their only child, Robert Jr. (Bobby), shortly thereafter. Bob and Elaine had a devoted marriage until Elaine’s death from Alzheimer’s in 2015.  In 2021, Bob moved to Granite Farms Estates in Media, Pennsylvania, to be closer to his son. He and his son Bobby remained very close, sharing many adventures and wonderful conversations, until Bob’s recent passing from Alzheimer’s on April 26, 2025. 

Bob had a 50-year career with the Boston-based defense contractor Raytheon.  He was a big believer in education, and although he primarily worked in the contracts department, he had an MBA degree and a law degree.  Among other projects, Bob worked on rocket / satellite programs, including Apollo, and occasionally traveled internationally, including a secondment in Paris.

Bob respected and cared about everyone he met, and they cared about him in return. Many people, beyond just his family and close friends, will remember Bob for the special moments they shared with him. Bob had a positive, make-the-most-of-the-situation attitude towards life.  He liked to tell and write stories: before his passing, he completed an anthology of his writings, entitled “Sunshine in the Gutter.” His interests and adventures included: living in Paris, travel, arts and culture , singing and playing the ukelele, good food / fine dining, his dog Peggotty, and just doing errands and chores with those he loved.

Bob is survived by: His son, Robert Storella Jr. and Robert Jr.’s wife, Laura Aaronson, twin grandchildren Alison and Gregory, and Alison’s wife Sam and many nephews and nieces, for whom he was their favorite “Uncle Bob”

Celebration of life and burial services to be held on 12 July 2025 at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA.
Family are welcome.