Robert Lewis Mozzi

Robert Mozzi, of Lincoln, MA, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at the age of 86.

Robert was born to loving and hardworking immigrant parents, Francis and Rose, in Meriden CT. He grew up as the middle son, with older brother Frank, younger brother Donald and a close knit extended family. His love of family, baseball and ice cream were deeply rooted in his childhood. He and his wife Muriel were married in 1956 and have one daughter, Jennifer.

Robert received degrees in Physics from Villanova College and the University of Pittsburgh before continuing his studies under the mentorship of Prof. Bertram E. Warren at M.I.T. where he earned his Ph.D. in physics. In Prof. Warren, Robert found a kindred spirit with a shared love of science, the Maine woods and a good laugh. They became lifelong friends. Robert's earlier studies were in the X-Ray Diffraction Study of the Structure of Glass and he published several papers on methods for its application to the study of solids and determinations of the structures of crystalline and amorphous materials, most notably vitreous silica and boron oxide.

Robert was a Principal Scientist at Raytheon and in their employ from 1957-1992. He was responsible for the establishment of an ion implantation facility and research program at the research division. After his retirement he was a part-time bookkeeper at Muriel's business, the Travel Station.
Robert's lifetime passions were physical activities, nature and his dogs. In college he played baseball and basketball and later enjoyed long distance bike touring, tennis, cross country skiing, hiking and summer swims at Walden Pond. He was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed daily walks in the woods with his dogs.

For all of his achievements his true legacy is found in his deep bonds with family and friends. Whether he was mentoring, celebrating others achievements, lending an ear or sharing a laugh, he was forever loyal, compassionate and generous of heart.

Robert fought a 14 year battle with Parkinson's Disease but he never let it define him. He continued to adapt to his physical restrictions whether it was trading in his touring bike for a stationary one, nature walks for Sunday drives with Jennifer or watching the Red Sox games at home with Muriel instead of at Fenway so that he could still participate in what he enjoyed. Forever the scientist, he chose to donate his brain to Mass General Hospital for research to aid in finding a cure. His family appreciates your condolences and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name at www.michaeljfox.org.

He is survived by his wife, Muriel; daughter, Jennifer Mozzi; Brother, Donald Mozzi and his wife Kayda; Nieces and nephews, Marina Mozzi, Karen Gangidine, Marie Mozzi, Robert Mozzi and Donald Mozzi; as well as extended family in the US and Northern Italy.

A celebration of Robert's life is planned for the Spring.