Robert J. LaSota

Robert "Bob" LaSota, 90, of Merrimac, MA, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital following a long illness.

Bob was born on March 26, 1936 to Margaret (Squires) and Frank LaSota. He was raised in Revere Massachusetts. He attended Local schools and graduated from Salem State University, obtained his Master's degree from Arizona State University, and Later attended The Ohio State University enrolled in a Ph.D. program.

His long teaching career began at North Reading High School and New Canaan High School. The remainder of his career culminated after teaching History at Salem State University for the next fifty years.

Bob had a deep passion for teaching and cherished close relationships with many former students over the years. His natural curiosity was evident by his diverse interests. Personal enjoyments included backpacking, gardening, landscaping, playing the harmonica, bird watching, celebrations with family and friends and cheering for his Boston Red Sox. In his youth Bob played baseball and ran track and later participated in multiple marathons. He remained active and supported Old Colony Training Club and Bay Colony Tibetan Terrier Club. His life long commitment to the military led him to become a volunteer with veterans at Care Dimensions in Danvers, MA; working with those who have served our country.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years Elisa (Pearson) LaSota; her daughter Kathryn Gilmore, of Manchester, NH; his son Daniel LaSota of Fairbanks, AK, sister-in-law Carol Waterhouse and her husband Vincent of Londonderry, NH; nephews, Brendan Waterhouse and his wife Marisa of Newport, RI; Ryan Waterhouse of NY, NY; and many cherished friends and students. Last but not least, dearest to his heart are his faithful Tibetan Terriers Dawa and Isabelle.

Honoring Bob's wishes a Celebration of Life will be scheduled on August 15, 11:30-3:00 at Black Water Grill in Salem, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation which was dear to Bob's heart: tibetanterriersfoundation.org 

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com