HAVERHILL - Robert Louis Fanaras, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2016, several days after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Bob was born in Haverhill on August 5, 1936 and has been a lifelong resident of the City. He was the devoted and loving husband of Natalie (Sarto) Fanaras, whom they shared almost 60 years of loving marriage.

Bob worked as a sales and purchasing manager in the electronics industry for many years until his retirement. That work included testing, certifying and supplying components for the Space Shuttles, Space Stations as well as the defense industry. He was a great basketball player when he was young, once scoring over 50 points in a game. His love of basketball, football, baseball and horse racing continued all his life. He was also passionate about music and movies.

Bob loved people. He seemed to always make a lasting impression on everyone he knew. His smile was contagious. Bob's charisma, personality and charm were larger than life. He made other people feel good about themselves and they loved to be around him. He was often referred to as the "Mayor" of places like the gym or rehab facilities he was in over the past few years. He cared deeply about other people and his focus was always on others not on himself; especially with others who were sick or having difficult times. He was a man of character and integrity; his actions always backed up his word. He was a man of great strength and work ethic to deal with everything that came his way. He endured many medical issues for the last 20 years of his life yet they never broke his spirit or his will. The man was a fighter! Humble yet quietly confident. Sarcastic, playful and funny until the end of his life. He was simply loved by nearly everyone he met!

His surviving family members in addition to his wife include his cherished sons, Mark A. Fanaras of Bradford and Andrew R. Fanaras of Haverhill; grandchildren Alicia Fanaras, Mark Nathan Fanaras and Adam Fanaras all of Bradford; many nieces, nephews, cousins and an aunt; predeceased by his mother Rose Gallo, stepfather Nicholas Gallo and sister Barbara Trainor.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, August 16, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Bradford from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Catholic Funeral Rites will be offered graveside on Friday morning, August 19, at 11:00 AM, in St. Patrick Cemetery, No. Broadway, Haverhill. Reception will follow at Olivia's Restaurant, Haverhill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the Robert L. Fanaras Memorial Trust c/o of Haverhill Bank, 180 Merrimack Street, Haverhill, MA 01830 or at any branch. The funds will be used to benefit the children of the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club.