Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Robert C. Beals, “Bob”, age 85, a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on November 7, 1938, in Cambridge, MA; he was the dear son of the late Kenneth and Margaret (Buckley) Beals. Bob was raised and educated in Cambridge and was a graduate of Ringe Technical High School in Cambridge with the Class of 1957.
Bob proudly served in the Army National Guard from February 28,1956 until February of 1964, during the Vietnam War.
Bob married “his sweetheart” Nita Avery on April 11, 1964; the couple moved to their home in Wilmington in 1967 where they raised a beautiful family. Bob loved his family, his home, and his new community. Bob would often be found outside tending to his flower gardens or “manicuring” the greenest lawn in the neighborhood. He was known as the family or neighborhood “Mr. Fix It” who was always willing to help anyone, and he really could fix anything!
Bob worked hard throughout his life, following his discharge from the Military he took a job at the Polaroid Company in Cambridge. Bob started at the ground level; through many years of hard work, dedication to the company, and willingness to learn he made his way up to Senior Engineer. Bob worked for several branches of Polaroid including the Cambridge, Waltham and Wayland facilities where he made many countless friends throughout the years. Bob finally retired in 2021 following more than 42 years of dedication to the company.
Bob also worked as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Town of Wilmington for more than 30 years. His dedication to the Town was evident; he enjoyed interacting with the citizens, and helping whenever and wherever he could.
In his spare time, Bob enjoyed playing “in town” softball at the Wilmington Town Park; he was a natural athlete, had a little bit of a competitive side, and enjoyed socializing with the other players after the games.
Following retirement, Bob and Nita enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren, attending countless school and sporting events and taking the time to travel. Bob enjoyed their many family trips to Disney World; he loved to see the kid’s excitement. He and Nita also took various trips with family and friends; everyone always had a great time. Bob and Nita also enjoyed taking cruises to different ports of call and most recently to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Bob will be fondly remembered as a “great guy” with a quiet demeanor; he loved his family and friends with all his heart, and he will forever live on in their wonderful memories.
Bob was the beloved husband of 60 years to Nita Beals (Avery), devoted father of Nancy Beals of Wilmington, Susan Murphy and her husband Stephen of Danvers, Lauren Svenson and her husband Scott and Robert Beals and his wife Mary all of Wilmington. Loving “Papa” of Christopher Jackson, Summer Beals, Tyler Beals, Lilyana Beals, and Delainy Murphy. Dear brother of Eugene Beals and his late wife Carole of Billerica, Kenneth Beals of Arlington, and the late Barbara Blake. Bob is further survived by his nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, June 3rd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 4th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA. (please go directly to church).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen for The Cure,13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.men for The Cure,13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 