Robert W. Power

Waltham – Mr. Robert W. Power, of Waltham, died Friday, January 12, 2007 in Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 87 years old. His wife, Virginia (Butler) Power, died in 1970. He was born in Waltham on February 20, 1919, the eldest son of William J. and Clare (Lally) Power. He graduated from Waltham High School, class of 1936. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College, class of 1940 and a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Class of 1943. In 1942 he began his career as a professional educator by teaching in Waltham High School. Later that year, he entered the United States Navy and served for three and ½ years during World War II, mostly in the South Pacific. He remained in the Naval Reserve for several years and was retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his return to civilian life in 1946, he taught at South Junior High School in Waltham until 1955. That year he was appointed first principal of the then newly constructed Northeast Elementary School. He retained that post until his retirement in June of 1981. At that time the media center in the school was named in his honor and was re-dedicated at the opening of the new Northeast Elementary in March of 2004. Mr. Power maintained many civic and professional memberships both in his active and retired years. In his retirement, he traveled extensively and until recently was active with Harvard’s and Boston College’s learning in retirement programs. He was a life-long member of Saint Mary’s Church. He is survived by two children, Gregory R. Power and his wife, Elana R. Peled, of Georgetown and Anne V. Power of New York City; his granddaughter, Alma G. Power; two sisters, Patricia Monahan of Cohasset and Ruth Power of Winchester; one brother, Arthur J. Power of Boulder, Colorado; a sister-in-law, Janice M. Power of Waltham and many nieces and nephews. He was also a brother of the late William J. Power, Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday from The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham followed by a Funeral Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials donations may be made to Saint Mary’s Restoration Fund, 133 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451.