WILMINGTON, MA — Robert M. Buck, fondly known as “Uncle Bob” to his family, of Wilmington, formerly of Cambridge, passed away peacefully holding hands with family on July 30, 2016; he was 82 years old.
Robert was born on March 16, 1934 in Boston, MA; he was the dear son of the late Francis and Anna (Budginis) Buck. Robert was raised and educated in Cambridge and attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin Parochial School. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard and was drafted into active service with the United States Army during the Korean War in 1951. Bob was honorably discharged and returned home to his family in Cambridge; he continued to serve with the Country with the Army National Guard until 1959.
Bob worked as a sheet metal fabricator and machinist for the Lamb & Ritchie Company in Saugus for 46 years; retiring in 1996. Bob’s dedication towards the company, his great work ethic and his wonderful personality towards his co-workers made him quite an asset to the company throughout the years.
Bob’s family was his number one priority in life; his unconditional love and support for them was evident in everything his did. Bob was always there to take care of others especially his grandmother and mother whom he loved dearly. Bob was also close to his siblings especially his sister Ann who was his best friend; when Ann was diagnosed with cancer it was Bob who moved to Wilmington to care for her until her death and then take over and raise her two sons Frank and Bob as his own children. Bob loved raising “his boys” he was always there for every sporting event, practice, school function, or anything else the boys were involved in; they were his life.
In his spare time, Bob enjoyed following Boston sports; Hockey and the Boston Bruins were definitely his favorite. Bob attended every home game during the 1972 Stanley Cup season and he was a huge Bobby Orr fan. Bob also enjoyed bowling and spending time with his family and friends.
Bob was a man of great faith, a devout Catholic, and an active communicant of St. Thomas of Villanova and St. Dorothy’s Church for more than 40 years. Bob was very strong in his faith; he attended daily Mass, every Holy Day, and was strict in observing Lent. Bob always turned to his faith to get him through difficulties in life; he led his life by an example as a good Christian by always giving of his time and money to help others in need.
Bob will be remembered for his love and kindness towards all animals and he was very charitable towards animal causes. Bob especially loved his beloved companion his Pitbull Faith.
Bob was generous, loyal, and kind; on one hand he was mild mannered but he also had a great sense of humor and loved to joke around. Bob will be fondly remembered as a gentle giant with a huge heart; he was dependable and would do anything for anyone. Bob was wonderful man and he will be missed.
Robert is survived by his two nephews Francis Andrew Palazzi and Robert Michael Palazzi and his fiancé Joanne Sweeney all of Wilmington. Robert was the cherished son of the late Francis and Anna (Budginis) Buck, dear brother of the late Francis “Mitzi” (Buck) Crowder, Ann Phyllis (Buck) Palazzi, and special “Uncle Bob” of Samantha, Patrick, Kevin and Gemma Sweeney. Robert is also survived by his loving Pitbull Faith.
Family & friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, August 3rd at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 2nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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