Robert “Bob” Reiss 

Known to family and friends simply as Bob, he was born on, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Frederick and Anna (Mirabito) Reiss. He grew up in Abington, Massachusetts, alongside his three brothers and two sisters, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. At the age of 16, he met his childhood sweetheart, Elaine Rose Shearing, at a roller-skating rink. Their connection endured, and in 1964 they were married at St. Patrick’s Church in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Bob graduated from Abington High School’s Automotive Trade Department in 1960, earning the nickname “Sparky” for his passion and talent with engines—a love that would define much of his life. In 1961, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country honorably for four years. He spent two years on active duty in the Philippines before continuing as a Communications Technician at Fort Ritchie, Maryland.

Following his military service, Bob and Elaine moved to Bridgewater, Massachusetts. His expertise and love of automotive work led him to the Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority (MBTA) in Boston, where he built a career spanning over 28 years. Bob worked his way up the ranks before retiring in 1996. Yet retirement never slowed him; in 1997, he became an Automotive Instructor at Easton High School’s Trade Department. In 1999, seeking warmer weather, he accepted a position with the Broward Transit Authority in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he worked for seven years. Even afterward, his drive to help others kept him working, including a role as a Security Guard at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

Bob’s dedication to learning and skill-building was lifelong. His certifications included:

• 1965: Engineering Drafting, Northeast Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

• 1965: Basic Electronics, Repairs & Schematic Reading, Radio Electronic Television School, Boston, MA

• 1968: Diesel Engine Rebuilding & Allison Transmission Servicing, General Motors Training School, Dedham, MA

• 1986: Heliarc & Arc Welding, Wheelchair Repair & Maintenance, Bus & Brake Systems, Timken Bearing Maintenance, MBTA

• 1989: Mid-Level Management Training Program, MBTA

• 2016–2019: Volunteer driving service, fondly known as “Buber,” providing free rides to anyone needing transportation to and from Hollywood Fort Lauderdale Airport

Bob cherished time with his family and friends. He enjoyed dining out, sharing drinks at his favorite neighborhood bars—including Shula’s on the Beach (Westin Hotel) and The Casablanca Café in Fort Lauderdale—driving, and cheering for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He also had a playful side, enjoying game shows like Let’s Make a Deal, Cash Cab, and Family Feud, and lending a helping hand with automotive or handyman tasks.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Elaine Reiss; his daughters Laurie Howard and her husband James of Texas, and Debora Lovell and her fiancé Robert Repucci of Massachusetts; his five grandchildren—Robert, Joseph, Heather, James, and Shawn; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers—William of Nevada, Paul of Louisiana, and Bruce of Florida—and two sisters, Elizabeth Lucas and Barbara Reiss of Florida.