Norbert Francis Melia

Norbert (Nobby) Francis Melia, Age 97, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away peacefully on Monday April 27th 2026 surrounded by his family. Norbert was born on August 30th, 1928, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the son of the late Peter J. Melia and the late Lillian (Goulet) Melia of Central Falls, Rhode Island.

He was a 1947 graduate of St. Raphael Academy, after which he attended Northeastern University. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. After his service, he married Regina C. Ryan on September 12th, 1953 in Pawtucket where they lived for over 50 years before retiring in Punta Gorda, Florida.

After many years working as a Sales Representative in the Liquor Industry, Norbert became the Sales Manager for the Michael Frenzi Liquor Distributorship.

Norbert took great pride in his military service and continued by helping his fellow veterans by serving as the Commander of the Eugene T. Lefebvre VFW Post #2601 in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He later went on to become the Commander for the entire VFW for the state of Rhode Island of which he was a life member. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 103 and the Elks post 2606. Norbert was also an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Regina C. (Ryan) Melia; two daughters, Maureen DiBartolomeo and her husband John of Laconia, NH, Cheryl Massey and her husband Raymond of North Fort Myers FL ; two sons, Peter J. Melia of Brookville, FL and Timothy Melia and his wife Lori-Ann of Yarmouth Port, MA ; and his sister, Joan Coughlin of North Providence, RI. He is survived by five grandchildren; Craig Massey, Kerrin Ulsh, Christopher Massey, Jonathan Montalbano and Leah Montalbano, as well as five great-grandchildren; Aiden, Connor and Colin Ulsh and Maya and Sydney Claro, as well as many nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Rhode Island.