Robert J. April

Robert April of Amesbury, formally of Lynn died peacefully at Mass General Hospital, Boston on Friday, March 28th surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Rose Marie April with whom he had shared 46 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn, Bob was the son of the late Edward and Catherine (Atwater) April. He attended Lynn Schools and was a graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1961. He resided in Lynn for most of his life moving to Amesbury in 1999.

Bob spent his younger years on the field actively coaching and umpiring Little League Baseball.

A true example of courage and perseverance, Bob became a beacon of hope for many living out the principles of the 12 Steps with unwavering dedication. Bob will be remembered for his deep sense of kindness, humor and understanding. He made an indelible mark on the lives of so many and will be dearly missed. Bob was not just a friend to Bill W. but a friend to all living each day with the grace and humility that comes with a life touched by the gift of sobriety.

Bob leaves his children Sherri April of Nahant and Thomas April and his partner Jessica Richardson and her daughter Ashley of Amesbury. He was the cherished grandfather of Nicole and Ryan McDermott. He was the brother of the late Edward and Peter April. Bob was the uncle of Kathy Donahue and her husband Bill of Lynn, Debbie Corcoran and her husband Kevin of Boxford, Donna Gautreau and Reggie Barron of Hawaii, Diane McCormick of Lynnfield and the uncle of the late Pamela Kennedy and her husband Eric of South Carolina and the late Michael Hines.

A wake will be held to honor Bob’s memory on Friday, April 4th at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn from 10am till 12pm. His funeral service will follow at 12pm in the funeral home followed by a graveside service in Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.