HAVERHILL - Robert "Bob" DeSando, 84, lifelong Haverhill resident, passed away on peacefully on Tuesday evening, April 26, 2016 at the Holy Family Hospital at Merrimack Valley, after a short illness.

Bob was born in Haverhill on October 30, 1931, parents of Italian immigrants Nicola and Mary (Cortese) DeSando. He was educated at the Haverhill Trade School and graduated in 1949. After graduation, Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was part of the Motor Pool. After returning home he was employed by Western Electric (Lucent Technologies) where he was a sheet metal mechanic. After retirement, he worked part-time for the Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union as a courier. Bob loved antique cars and especially El Caminos, which he owned a few during his lifetime. He also enjoyed working in his yard and taking care of his cars.

His surviving family members include his loving wife Catherine A. (Emerson) DeSando, whom they shared 60 years of marriage; son Robert D. DeSando of Haverhill; daughter Laurie A. LaPlante and husband Larry of Haverhill; grandchildren Casey LaPlante and Corey LaPlante; and a very special dog Jenna who he loved very much; father of the late Jeffrey DeSando.

Funeral service will be held on Monday morning, May 2, gathering at 10:00 AM in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill. Interment with U.S. Army Honors will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Visiting hours will be Sunday in the funeral home from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.