Obituary of Robert K Larkins

Bob was born in the family home in Somerville.  He was raised and educated in Somerville.  Bob was the son of the late Frederick and Christine Larkins.  At the age of 17 he would meet his future wife Nancy while at the Somerville Movie Theatre.  Bob was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.  He achieved the rank of Corporal (T) and as the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Badge.  It was while on leave from the service that he would marry his high school sweetheart Nancy.  Bob and Nancy settled in Burlington in 1956. 

Bob was a talented craftsman and chose a career as a Ceramic Tile Contractor.  He was self-employed and had his own business “Larkins Tile”. His work spoke for itself and he had a large customer base through word of mouth with his designs.      Bob was an artist when it came to his hand-made woodworking.  He could design and make any piece of furniture you wanted.    He made and designed all the furniture in his daughter Laura’s home in Virginia as well as his own home. Bob could make anything from a simple chair, a bedroom set even a leather saddle!  

Bob was a longtime and oldest member of the Dante Club located in Somerville. He enjoyed going to the club 2 or 3 times a week and playing cards and socializing with his many friends.  Bob was a very active man and enjoyed bowling and playing golf.  He had great affection for animals and loved his two dogs Scruffy & Buster. 

Bob was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather.  Bob and Nancy enjoyed taking their annual trips to Virginia to visit their daughter Laura and granddaughter Caroline.  Caroline was the apple of his eyes and brought him immense joy.    

Bob was the beloved husband of Thelma Nancy (Vitiello).  Loving father of Laura Larkins of Alton VA.  Bob was the proud grandfather of Caroline Deislinger of Alton, VA.  Brother of Jean McCoo of Woburn and William Larkins of Acton.  Son-in-law of Thelma Vitiello of Burlington.   A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 10 St. Mark’s Road, Burlington on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m.  Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Bob’s name may be made to Halifax Dog Squad, Inc., PO Box 418, South Boston, VA 24592