Robert M. Henry

Beloved father, grandfather and friend

Robert M. Henry, age 87, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, MA, died peacefully on July 20, 2013, surrounded by family.
He was the husband of the late Eleanor R. (Hansbury) Henry, who died in 1988, his sweetheart, whom he married upon his return from the war, and about whom he would remark that it was the best thing to ever happen to him.
Born March 21, 1926 in Lowell, MA, the son the late Richard D. and the late Mary C. (McLaughlin) Henry, Bob lost both of his parents by the time he was 2 years old and was brought up his loving siblings and various relatives.
Bob graduated from Lowell High School class of 1943 and shortly after enlisted into the U. S. Navy, at the age of 17. He was a proud member of the “greatest generation” serving in WW II aboard the USS Monterey CVL-26, which was awarded 11 battle stars and was nearly destroyed in a typhoon named Cobra, in the Pacific Theater. Prior to his discharge in 1946 with the rank of Petty Officer 3/c, he was part of the pre-commissioning crew for the USS Kearsarge CV - 33.
After the war, Bob began his 40 year career as a lineman for Massachusetts Electric Co, retiring in 1987 as Crew Leader. During that time he was a member of IBEW Local 326, serving as Treasurer for 15 years.
Bob was also a member of the Billerica Knights of Columbus Council #3963, a lifetime member of VFW Post #662 Lowell, and a social member at Mt. Pleasant Golf Club. He was an avid sports fan that believed in the Red Sox when nobody else would, and cheered on the Patriots since they played at Nickerson Field. During retirement he enjoyed socializing with friends, golfing (where he had two holes in one), bowling, traveling and an occasional “ice out” fishing trip.
Together with his late wife Eleanor, they raised five children creating so many cherished memories and providing all the love, guidance and support a family would ever need. He will be remembered as a devoted father who took pride in his family and their accomplishments. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.
Bob is survived by two daughters Kathryn M. Woods of Lowell and Susan D. Albee and husband Steve of Chelmsford; three sons Robert M. Henry and wife Ruth of Alfred, ME, Michael E. Henry and wife Susan of Los Angeles, CA, and Timothy J. Henry and wife Gerry of N. Hampton, NH; seven grandchildren Brian and Robert Woods, Wyatt Henry, Craig and Mollie Henry, Meghan and Mark Albee; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Annabelle Kiggins, the late Mary Herlihy, the late Richard Henry and the late John Henry.
Bob’s family would like to thank the many healthcare providers whose care, personal attention and love helped their father over the past several years.
Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at ST. MARY CHURCH in CHELMSFORD at 11 o’clock. Burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.