Robert Dexter Garvey, 83

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WESTBOROUGH – Robert “Bob” Dexter Garvey, 83 of Westborough passed away peacefully on Monday, November 7th, 2022, after a short illness. 

He joins his wife, Mary Louise (Zanchi) Garvey who passed in July 2017. 

Born in Natick, the son of the late William J. and Anna (Bent) Garvey of Natick.  He was pre-deceased by his brother William B. Garvey.  He is survived by his 4 sons: Jeff & his wife Meg, of Westborough, MA; Matthew & his, wife Meg, of Sutton, MA; Todd & his wife, Linda, of Bethel, CT; and Kyle of Grafton, MA.  “Papa” will be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren: Ryan, Connor, Liam, Jack, Rebecca, Lauren, Norah, Will, Noah, Grace, Eva and his beloved yellow lab, Ani.  He also leaves behind his dear friend, Anna Schwehr of Natick.

Bob grew up on South Main St. in Natick, and graduated from Natick High School in 1957.  One of his fondest memories was when he co-captained the undefeated 1957 Class B State Champion Basketball Team.  

Shortly after graduation, he began what would become a 37-year career with New England Telephone and became a proud member of IBEW Local #2325.

He married Marylou Zanchi, also of Natick, in April of 1963 and set about becoming the consummate family man, raising his four boys in West Natick.  He was always available, either supporting or directly participating in the many athletic endeavors of his sons. 

Despite never having played baseball, he didn’t hesitate to become a Little League coach.  Every summer, he made sure his family had a two-week vacation in on Cape Cod, where he played host to a revolving door of relatives.  In the late 70’s he fulfilled a dream by building a second family home in Sunapee, NH.  Many memories were made on the slopes of Mt. Sunapee, as well as on the waters of the lake.  

Anyone who knew Bob, loved him for his sense of humor.  His “Bob-isms” were popular, entertaining, at times annoying, but always memorable.  He always had jokes at the ready and his party tricks never failed to entertain.  Whether it was making a wine glass sing, or folding cloth napkins into “hats” he never failed to liven up a family gathering.

After retiring from the phone company, he and Marylou fulfilled their dream of moving to Sunapee, NH where they spent the next 15 years pursuing the “New Hampshire” lifestyle.  There, Bob applied his skills and creativity as a technician in the ski shop of the New England Healing Skiers Association (NEHSA) and volunteering as an ambassador.  Bob’s passion for NEHSA reflected in his many hours supporting the program in different capacities.  Whether he was washing floors after hours, assisting skiers on the slopes or adjusting boots and bindings in the ski shop, he had a smile on his face that was infectious to all who met him.  During this time he passed on his love of the outdoors and skiing to his many grandchildren and their friends.

The memories he made with his grandchildren and the time spent with his family were something he valued above all else.

The family will be receiving friends at Everett’s Funeral Home, 4 Park St., at Natick Common, Natick, on Sunday, November 13, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. 

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Linus Catholic Church, 119 Hartford St., Natick, at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 14, 2022.

Interment will follow at St. Tarcisius Cemetery in Framingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the New England Healing Sports Association, 180 Mt. Sunapee Road #2135, Newbury, NH 03255 or online at www.NEHSA.org.  

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