Bob,
You were opinionated, obstinate, intelligent, warm-hearted, and lots of fun. I was so fortunate to spend eight years with you, and to know you for more than twenty. Over that time, I learned to pay attention to your actions and not to your rhetoric. During your “post-retirement” job at the Black Dog Bakery, I was initially surprised at your exasperation with management for posting new employment rules solely in English, when half the workforce spoke Portuguese only. You took it on yourself to explain the rules to the Cape Verdean worker with the best English fluency, so that he and his compatriots could avoid unwanted “surprises”. You were far from a bleeding heart Cambridge liberal, but you had a very big heart. And you treated everyone alike, regardless of their station. 
I had always voted to support my candidate, but when we lived together, I cast a ballot to also cancel your vote. I knew I wasn't furthering support for my side, but was satisfied that at least I was blocking support for yours. We understood this and eventually I laughed about it. I also laughed when, in my absence, you told a telephone representative from NOW that I was deceased. After you recanted your assertion, you apparently had her laughing and brightened her night. That was Bob…
Thank you for letting me contribute 1960's song titles to your New York Times crossword puzzles and for occasionally asking me to assist with spelling. Aside from that, you had those puzzles down. Thanks for learning to love my cats and for retrieving, on your hands and knees, their toys from underneath the kitchen stove. Thank you so much for introducing me to your daughters and for letting me be part of your family. I am so fortunate to have known you, and to know them, their husbands, and your grandchildren. Thank you for enjoying life (when you weren't complaining about it!) and for loving me. You will always be in my heart.
Mary

Dear Lyn, 
It's been a long time. sorry for your loss. I lost my dad a few years back. Prayers and thoughts are with you. Your long time co-worker at Franks. Sue

Donna...It is always sad to lose someone you love. I never knew your Dad and I am sorry that I could not do anything to share your grief. However, I will have a Mass said in Bob's memory at St Mary's of Wrentham.

I am having wonderful memories of the time I went over the Vineyard for a day trip with my husband and we met up with Bob.  Such a great day it was!  I will hold those nice memories in my heart and hope my sharing these with you will help in the coming days.

I will miss you Grampy. Your love and hugs will be with me forever.

Dear Donna, Katherine, Lynda, and Mary and Families:
I am so sad to hear of your loss of your loving dad.  He was so proud of you all and always talked about you.  I think of Bob B. often and will always be grateful to him for his honesty and his willingness to share his hope, strength, and experience with so many of us.  He was a very special man and he touched so many lives. I will never forget him.  My prayers are with you.

Bob, knowing you rest now brings peace,
knowing you stood firmly in your faith and rest now in God's good grace
Brings hope. Brings hope that you will be raised up 'on the last day' -
that you will be with the loving God, your Higher Power, you sought
so faithfully to know and to serve.

I will remember you as a loving father to your beautiful daughters, a great friend to so many and father figure to me along with Bob W., Phill, and
Peter at a time in my life when that was just what I needed. And I will remember so many laughs! 'Seedy Acres' and Bob spelled with two 'O's, and
a trip to Ireland. And long talks about religion and God and faith and
love and Program. You lived a life filled with faithfulness and loyalty.
Faithful written all over it from beginning to end. Good bye my friend,
and bless you.

To his beloved four girls, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Donna, Katherine, Lynda and Mary,

Despite the years that have passed since I left Cambridge, I remember your Dad, and all of you, clearly and so fondly.  Bob was always there for so many people in such caring ways.... I still remember his kindness, and yours, as he took me to the hospital when I sprained my ankle.  I tear up remembering how hard we all laughed, and am so sad to hear he has died.  While distance may separate us in one sense, in my heart I am holding you close, and tucking you all dearly into my prayers. I send loving thoughts and heartfelt sympathy,

Denise Stoner
Evergreen, Colorado

He brought us joy and laughter and wisdom and such humor and humanity.  I will always remember him with a smile and a very grateful heart.

Bob always said Frances lit up any room she entered. I don't think he realized that when he entered a room of strangers, he left you thinking they were all his childhood friends. (How did he do that?) He was surrounded by love and laughter. He always had time for you, to lend a hand, to listen for hours, to tell a story, to make you feel better about yourself. He could be cantankerous if you chanced on History or Theology, of which he read continuously; but he was always someone you wanted to share yourself with. He loved his family deeply, enough to take risks with when he had to and enough to admit he was wrong and laugh at himself. His legacy can be seen in his wonderful family. I could never forget the gift Bob has been to me. I can hear him laughing even now. Surely surrounded by kindred souls. Rest joyfully Bob

Linda and family - we are sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad.  May he watch over you and forever be in your hearts.....Love John and Cindy McCann

Bob, you taught me to laugh at my flaws, and to embrace life to its fullest.  You touched so many.   You will be missed.

Bob was the salt of the earth, a wonderful man. He made a phenomenal difference in so many people's lives, including mine. His smile, laugh and empathy will be with me every day. He changed my life for the better. My condolences to the family, I share your sadness and sense of loss. His life mattered and changed the world for the better, he will always be alive in the hearts of those he knew.
Amanda O

Donna we are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Steve and I send our sympathies to you and your family.

Meredith Holford

Bob,

You remain an anchor in my life for which I am always grateful. I celebrate you. My heartfelt prayers to your family and loved ones. Rich G.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Donna, Frank, Emily and Alex, 
Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with you.

Dear Linda and family, 
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fondly,

  It saddens me to hear of Uncle Bob's passing- I pray for the family for comfort in this difficult time. 

Patti and Sons, Eric and Edwin

OBITUARY

Robert J. Byrne

25 December, 1934 – 16 July, 2013

Gillooly Funeral Home

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