Robert E. Jennings, Sr., “Bob”, age 80, of Wilmington, died peacefully on January 1, 2018, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA.
Robert was born on January 8, 1937, in Cambridge, MA; he was the dear son of the late Martin and Margaret (McNamara) Jennings. Bob was raised and educated in Boston and was a graduate of Cathedral High School.
Following High School, Bob, went on to continue his education at Bentley School for Accounting and Finance, which is now Bentley University in Waltham, where he graduated with a degree in Accounting.
In 1959, Bob, enlisted in the U. S. Army; following active duty, he served in the Army Reserves for several years.
Bob married “his sweetheart” Florence Phipps in September of 1959; the family moved to Wilmington in 1963 where they raised their four children. Bob was a very devoted and loving husband father and a wonderful “Bapa” of his grandchildren Aurora, Robert, and Ryan.
Prior to retiring, Bob, worked for many years at the Gorton’s of Gloucester; Bob had a great work ethic and a wonderful personality to deal with his clients as well as his co-workers. At the time of his retirement, Bob, worked as Office Services Manager.
Bob also spent a great deal of time involved in his community; he was a member of the Wilmington Jay Cee’s Club, he served on the Wilmington Board of Appeals, and was active in the Wilmington Spotlighters Theatre Group where he once had the lead role in the play “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. He also volunteered for many years for the Boston Walk for Hunger.
Bob had a passion for helping others, he was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 29 years and he along with a few friends started a local AA group. Bob was a big presence with an endearing personality; he spent countless hours sponsoring and counseling others in need. Bob had a great deal of patience and understanding which was instrumental in calming others and helping them through some of the toughest times in their lives.
Bob will be fondly remembered as a “great guy” who was always willing to help anyone. He was kind, caring, and giving. A devoted family man; Bob, loved the time he spent at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions and he was also adored by his many loving nieces and nephews. Bob had a huge heart and he will forever be loved and missed by all.
Bob was the beloved husband of Florence V. (Phipps) Jennings, devoted father of Mary K. Jennings of South Hadley, MA, Robert E. Jennings, Jr. & his wife Patricia of Andover, MA, Julie M. McKenna & her husband Shawn of Bradford, MA, and Susan E. Jennings of Milford, MA. Loving “Bapa” of Aurora G. Corey and her husband Tsubasa, Robert E. Jennings III, and Ryan T. Jennings, dear brother of Elizabeth Murphy of Winter Park, FL, Margaret Quigley of Weymouth, MA, the late William Jennings and Mary Jane Jennings. Bob is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Saturday, January 6th at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, January 5th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children- Boston, Attn: Development Office, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.
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