Robert P. Vona

Retired Newton Fire Department Lieutenant Robert P. Vona, of West Newton, died Friday, May 12, 2023 at his home.  He was 86.

Born in Waltham on February 18, 1937, Bob was the son of the late Rosario and Dorothea (Bruzzese) Vona. Raised in Belmont and in Newton, he graduated from Newton North High School with the class of 1956. Following his graduation he served with the United States Marine Corps.

He joined the Newton Fire Department in 1961, retiring after thirty-two years of service as a lieutenant aboard Ladder 1 at Station 2 on Commonwealth Avenue. He also worked for years as a licensed plumber and contractor, retiring ten years ago.

Time spent with family was cherished and in his free time Bob enjoyed golfing with his fellow firefighters and took great pride in maintaining his home and garden.

He leaves his wife, Florence A. (Rand) Vona; his children, Robert P. Vona, Jr. (Samantha) of California, Stephen P. Vona (Donna) of Newton, Kenneth B. Vona, Brian R. Vona (Heidi), all of Sudbury and Darlyne M. Mattia (Anthony) of Sherborn; his sisters, Dorothy Scarlett of Yarmouth and Patricia Clegg of Pocasset; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was also a brother of the late Frederick and Francis Vona.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, May 16^th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Bernard’s Church, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Newton Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459 or at www.gscommunitycare.org