Robert and his wife, Linda, shared a 52-year marriage rooted in their passion for education.
Highlights
- Linda and Robert Melago shared a 52-year marriage rooted in their passion for education, with Linda playing a crucial role in Robert’s recovery after his stroke in 1979.
- Together, they raised two successful children and remained deeply involved in their community, particularly in education and athletics.
- Bob’s strong Catholic faith guided his life, and his family honored his memory through a funeral Mass and charitable donations to Concordia of Cranberry, where he received compassionate care in his final days.
Robert A. Melago, known affectionately as “Spike,” passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 85 at Concordia of Cranberry.
His life was marked by remarkable achievements in education and athletics, even in the face of significant challenges.
Born on February 19, 1939, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Melago established himself as both an accomplished athlete and dedicated educator.
His athletic career began at Greensburg Salem High School, where he earned letters in football and basketball.
His talent led to his selection for the prestigious Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph Hearst All Star baseball game at Forbes Field in 1956.
At Juniata College, where he graduated in 1961 with a B.S. in mathematics, he continued his athletic excellence as a four-year letterwinner in both football and baseball.
Melago’s educational career spanned four decades, beginning in East McKeesport in 1961.
He served as a mathematics teacher and coach at Westinghouse Memorial High School before returning to his alma mater, Greensburg Salem, in 1969.
There, he taught mathematics and computer science while serving as Athletic Director from 1972 until his retirement in 2001.
Despite suffering a stroke at age 39, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing his career with unwavering dedication.
Robert and His Wife, Linda, Raised Two Successful Children Together
Linda (Wilson) Melago stood as a pillar of support throughout Robert’s life and career.
Their marriage of 52 years represents a partnership that combined their shared passion for education.
Linda, who was 53 when her husband retired in 2001, dedicated her career to education as a French teacher at Harrold Middle School in the Hempfield Area School District.
She played a crucial role during one of the most challenging periods of their life when Robert suffered a stroke on January 28, 1979.
Her quick thinking and immediate recognition of the stroke symptoms proved vital in getting him the necessary medical attention.
Her support was instrumental in Robert’s recovery and return to work almost exactly a year later, on January 27, 1980.
Linda and Robert raised two successful children together.
Their daughter, Carrie Melago, became a journalist and married Jonathan Lemire in Brooklyn.
Their son, Tim Melago, established a career with Highmark in Pittsburgh and married Kathy Cameron.
Throughout their years together, Linda supported Robert’s dedication to Greensburg Salem’s athletic programs, sharing in his commitment to education and community service.
The couple enjoyed traveling and attending sporting events after Robert’s retirement, and they took particular joy in spending time with their grandchildren, including Beckett and Flynn Lemire.
His family connections extend to his sister, Nancy Best and, her husband, John of Greensburg, along with several nieces and nephews who carry on the Melago family tradition.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John E. and Anne (Lukan) Melago, his brother Eugene J. Melago, and two sisters, Phyllis A. Steeley and Elizabeth F. Parfitt.
The family chose to hold a private viewing at Schellhaas Funeral Home in Bakerstown to honor Bob’s memory.
A funeral Mass was scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, at 9:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Church in Greensburg, where Bob had served as a lector for 20 years.
His deep Catholic faith was evident in his service as president of the first St. Bede Church Council and his term on the council at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Church.
In recognition of the care Bob received in his final days, the family requested that donations be made to Concordia of Cranberry in his honor.
The staff there provided compassionate care during his final moments, as he passed away surrounded by his loving family.
Bob’s commitment to faith, family, and community defined his 85 years of life.
Additional Information
- He went to St. Benedict Elementary School and graduated from Greensburg Salem High School in 1957.
- Bob earned a Master’s in Education from IUP in 1965 and pursued graduate studies in mathematics at Duquesne University, Penn State University, and Baldwin Wallace College.
