Robert J. Locke

Waltham - Mr. Robert J. 'Sonny' Locke, of Waltham, died Wednesday, July 20, 2011 in New England Rehabilitation Center in Salem, New Hampshire. He was 78.

He was born on July 29, 1932 in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston. Shortly after the death of his father, the late Peter DiSanto, his mother ,Olive (Chamberlain) DiSanto married John Locke who adopted Bob. He was raised in Revere and graduated from high school in Boston. Forty-nine years ago he met Martha Sinclair while at Revere Beach. They were married in the Immanuel United Methodist Church on Moody Street in Waltham and they began their lives together raising and educating their three children.

Bob was a self-employed mason, owning Robert J. Locke Masonry, for over 40 years. He later owned and operated Video Take-Out and Convenience Store in Stoneham for 5 years. Bob maintained a disciplined work ethic and even in retirement was often available for various projects around his home and other properties and was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. He and his wife were long active members of Immanuel United Methodist Church where they would volunteer for countless church activities and projects. In his downtime, he enjoyed spending time at his other home in much loved Revere Beach, a round of golf, a good game of Texas Hold-Em, and vacations to Florida. Bob loved his family and was happiest when among everyone.

He leaves his wife, Martha J. (Sinclair) Locke; his children, Holly B. Phillps and her husband, Larry, of Salem, New Hampshire, Robert J. Locke Jr. and his wife, Robin, of Los Angeles, California and Douglas A. Locke and his wife, Charlene, of Framingham; his brother, John 'Jackie' Locke and his wife, Karen, of Beverly; his sisters, Sheila Moore of Danvers and Betteanne Marquis and her husband, Ernest, of Raymond, Maine; his grandchildren, Jessica, L.J., Lauren, Derek, Andrew, Doug, Jr., Kyle, Isabella and Jemma and his great-grandchildren, Emma and Frankie and many nieces & nephews.

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 Sunday, July 24th, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. on Monday morning when his funeral service will be held. Burial will be private.

Memorials in his name may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church, Stained Glass Window Restoration Fund, 545 Moody Street, Waltham, MA 02453.