Obituary of Robert Burgess

Robert J. Burgess, a retired Engineer, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, May 21, 2010. He was 78 years old. Robert was born in Cambridge, the son of the late William and Margaret Burgess. He grew up and was educated in Cambridge. He served in the Army during the Korean War and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, The Presidential Unit Citation, The United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He returned home from the service and worked for well over 30 years as an engineer for GCA Vacuum Industries in Somerville. He was a hard worker and a very good provider for his family. Bob was a good man who always had a smile, a kind word for all and enjoyed helping others. He will be missed greatly by his family and many friends. He also enjoyed fishing, swimming, golfing, and horse racing. He resided in Florida and Massachusetts. Robert was the fiancé of Patricia Farraher of Woburn. He was the husband of the late Marie (Dunn). He was the loving father of Robert J., Jr. & his wife Carolyn of Newtonville, TX, Denise Mills & her husband Gerry of Burlington, Cathy Schoeppler of Palm Harbor, FL, and Michelle Gilbert & her husband Peter of Londonderry, NH. He was the stepfather of Allison Breen of Concord. He was the brother of Winifred Snow of Watertown, William of Arlington, Melvin “Rusty” and Kinnon “Kenny” both of Malden. He was the former husband of Barbara Burgess of Londonderry, NH and was also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Tuesday evening, May 25 at 8p.m. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s name may be made to the Congregational Church of West Medford, 400 High St., Medford, MA 02155. For directions, obituary, & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net