Family, friends say goodbye to Malden teen who lost his life in crash

Robert ‘Bobby’ J. Giardino, 18, mourned by fellow students at Northeast Metro Tech

By Steve Freker

Bobby Giardino was a “truck guy” who loved working on his vehicle and also was on his way to becoming a skilled plumber thanks to his training at Northeast Metro Tech in Wakefield.

Tragedy struck on December 6 when he was involved in a fatal crash while driving in the woods in Middleton. The 18-year-old Malden resident was off-roading with three of his friends when his pickup overturned. Bobby later died from his injuries at a nearby hospital, according to police.

The three other teens who were passengers in the vehicle were also injured in the crash. One was injured critically and is believed to be still hospitalized as a result.

Family and friends said goodbye to Bobby this past Saturday, December 16, when visiting hours were held, followed by a prayer service at the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home on Main Street in Malden.

Northeast Metro Tech Superintendent David DiBarri called Bobby’s passing “a tragic loss” immediately after word spread about the accident. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our students,” DiBarri said in a release to the public.” Our hearts go out to [Bobby’s] family and friends.” Supt. DiBarri said at the time that resources were in place and available at the school for anyone who needed them to cope “as emotions and grief come in all forms.”

Bobby was a senior majoring in plumbing at Northeast Metro Tech and worked for Powder House Plumbing while attending school.

He was the loving son of David P. Giardino and Ana (Cunha) Giardino. He was the grandson of Robert A. Giardino and leaves aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers, his special friends the “Truck Mafia” and his dog Snuffy. He was also the grandson of the late Lorraine (Jackson) Giardino and Joseph and Maria (Cabral) Cunha.