Robert P. Gately

Mr. Robert P. Gately, of South Yarmouth, formerly of Waltham, died Thursday, May 11, 2023 at his home.  He was 84.

Bob was born in Charlestown on July 11, 1938, a son of the late Peter and Mary (Kennedy) Gately.  Raised in Charlestown, he was a graduate of Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston and after that served with the United States Marine Corps.

After his discharge he began a thirty-three year career with Sears, Roebuck and Company and following that began a second career as an inspector for the Waltham Health Department.

In 1962 he married Watertown native Ruth E. Forbes at Saint Theresa’s Church and seven years later the couple moved to Waltham where they raised their family. The move to the Cape came three years ago.

In Waltham Bob was active at Saint Mary’s Church and had been a longtime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 953 and the Sons of Italy on Cedar Street. He coached for years for the Waltham Little Nippers and Connie Mack baseball leagues.

He was an avid reader of military and presidential history and became well versed in the events that shaped the nation and the world.

Bob could be found at every soccer, baseball, football and basketball game or concert event for his grandchildren and loved every moment of it.  He and his wife Ruthie enjoyed traveling with their friends around the country and around the world, especially their yearly visits to Marco Island, Florida and to Aruba.

In addition to his wife, Ruth,  he leaves his children, Jeanne E. Williams (late Al) of West Bridgewater, David E. Gately (Mary) of Maynard and Debra R. Gately of Nantucket; his grandchildren, Patricia M. Fanara (Nate), Robert P. Gately, Jeffrey D. Gately, David A. Williams (Ashley Burke) and Elizabeth M. Williams; his brother, Philip Gately (Florence) of Peabody; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Oldroyd of Sudbury and several nieces and nephews including his cherished niece, Karen Fedorchak.

Bob was also the father of the late Robert P. Gately.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, May 18^th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul at St. Mary's Parish, 133 School St., Waltham, MA 02451.