Robert J. Kanelopoulos Sr.

Robert J. “Bob” Kanelopoulos Sr., 71, of Whitman, passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia on August 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Athens, Greece, Bob and his twin brother, Michael, came to the United States when they were just 18 months old and settled in Brockton, where their sister, Jane, was born soon after. Bob began his career at a young age, working for Fisher Sportswear before venturing out on his own and founding Bobby Jean Sportswear, a clothing manufacturing business in Whitman.

Bob enjoyed lifes simple pleasures. He loved to crack a joke—appropriate or not—and that was often his way of making the people around him smile. He was a phenomenal billiards player and also enjoyed tennis and golf. Bob, or as most of us lovingly called him, “Big Bob,” found one of his greatest joys in riding his motorcycle, whether it was a short ride or an adventure anywhere and everywhere.

Bob was the son of the late Irene Kanelopoulos and was predeceased by his beloved aunt, Vasiliki Cotchelas, and his twin brother, Michael Kanelopoulos, all of Brockton. He leaves behind his devoted children, Robert Kanelopoulos Jr. of Hanson; Alex Kanelopoulos and his wife, Meaghan, of Middleboro; and Christina Deiuliis and her husband, Christopher, of Bridgewater. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Travis, Ryan, Alexis, Makenna, and Evan.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Deborah Bonnette Kanelopoulos; his devoted sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Fred Coderre of Brockton; his sisters-in-law, Judy Burke and Kathleen Kijak; his nieces, Nina (John) Hutchinson and Stephanie (Johnnie) White; his nephews, Michael (Paige) Coderre and John Kijak; his beloved French Bulldog, Bella; and many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Bob’s given name was Haralambos, meaning “one who shines with joy.” We find comfort in knowing that he is now shining brightly in Heaven, reunited with the beloved family members who preceded him in death.

Visiting hours will be held at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main Street, Brockton on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 457 Oak St., Brockton on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will follow for immediate family members only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Dementia Society of America, by mail to P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate

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