Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Robert W. “Bob” Holbrook, age 86, a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was born on September 30, 1939, in Malden, MA, the son of the late William W. and Concetta “Connie” (Cangiamila) Holbrook. He was raised in Malden, where he graduated from Malden High School, excelling as both a student and athlete. Among his proudest accomplishments, Bob developed and coached Malden High School’s first cross-country team, he was a member of the winning team at the Penn Relays and was inducted into the Malden High Hall of Fame for his contributions to track and field.
After high school, Bob attended Essex Tech where he majored in Horticulture and also coached their cross-country team. He started his own landscaping business at the age of 19, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Bob went on to earn a degree in Management Information Systems from Boston University and Northeastern University.
Bob’s professional career was highlighted by his 32 years at Raytheon, where he served as a Division Supervisor of Data Processing. His knowledge, work ethic, and engaging personality made him a beloved figure within the company and beyond.
In 1960, Bob met the love of his life, Ruth Maillett, and they married shortly thereafter. Together, they raised four children in Wilmington and shared 60 wonderful years of marriage until Ruth’s passing. Bob was a dedicated and loving husband and father, deeply involved in the lives of his children. He coached youth track and baseball, served as an assistant Cub Scout leader, and was a constant presence at every school event, sporting activity, and special occasion.
Bob’s love for his family extended to his grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished. He was affectionately known as “Papa” and never missed an opportunity to support and encourage his grandchildren in all their endeavors.
A man of strong faith, Bob was an active communicant at St. Thomas Church in Wilmington for many years, where he served as the Director of Religious Education and taught CCD classes for over 15 years. He and Ruth were also members of the Church Choir. Bob’s commitment to his faith was unwavering, and he found great joy in helping others.
Bob’s generosity extended beyond his church, as he dedicated time to the Wilmington Lions Club, where he served as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. He was also honored with a leadership award for his contributions to the club. Additionally, Bob was a member of the Wilmington Knights of Columbus and more recently was involved with the welcoming committee at Heatherwood Retirement Home.
An avid sports fan, Bob loved watching the Boston teams—Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics—and was thrilled to witness their many championships. He also enjoyed playing cards, chess, golf, singing, dancing, and reading every day, often sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for these activities with his family and friends.
Bob had a passion for camping and traveling within the United States and abroad. Some of his favorite trips included Aruba, Spain, and Ireland where he and Ruth made many special friends who they enjoyed visiting throughout the years. Bob and Ruth looked forward to their winters in Florida where they had many friends.
Bob’s warmth, kindness, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a man who truly made the world a better place, and his legacy will continue through his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth. He is survived by his children, Ann Palmer of Lunenburg, MA, Gary Holbrook and his wife Kathy of Chelmsford, MA, Michelle Mugford and her husband Scott of Dracut, MA, and Steven Holbrook of East Boston, MA; his grandchildren, Nick Palmer, Danny Palmer and his wife Rebecca, Lauren Holbrook, Drew Holbrook, Samantha Mugford, Nathan Mugford, Jessica Jones and her husband Phil, Amanda Gagne, Gerard Gagne, Ashley Martinez, and great-grandchildren Riley, Kyla, Jace, Sean, and Ben. Dear brother of Janet Holbrook of Florida, the late Vincent Holbrook and the late Dennis Holbrook. Bob is also survived by his dear friend Dora Carr, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, October 16th, from 9:00-10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or online at alz.org.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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