Longtime Northborough-Southborough superintendent Robert Melican passed away Wednesday after a long illness. He was 62.
Melican began his education career as a teacher in Northborough in 1969. He advanced to superintendent in 1996. In 2004 he was named the state’s Superintendent of the Year. He retired in 2005 after 36 years of service.
In announcing Melican’s death to his staff, current superintendent Charles Gobron had his to say:
Bob’s legacy is long; his sense of humor was legendary, and his dedication to his work was second to none. He was the driving force behind the renovation project at Algonquin, which he steadfastly oversaw for several years. The Northborough Middle School was renamed in his honor in 2002, and will now serve as a reminder to all of a remarkable man who dedicated his life to the schoolchildren of our district.
Melican is survived by his wife Beth, son Brendan, and daughter Sarah. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
For more on Melican’s career, see these articles:
- Melican reflects on demands, changes, budgets (Boston Globe)
- A look back on 36 years (Wicked Local Northborough)
- Melican headlines ARHS’s newest Athletic Hall of Fame class (Community Advocate)
