Obituary of Robert Lee Thacker

Robert Lee Thacker, a retired assistant store manager for Michelsons Shoes, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2020. He was 83 years old. Robert was born in East Boston and grew up in Medford. He was the son of Carl and Monica Thacker. He was a member of the 1954 graduating class of Malden Catholic High School. The expression, “he married the girl next door” was totally true for Robert. His family moved to Medford when he was a child. Their neighbors, the Kravish family, had a daughter, Theresa, that was 2 years younger than Robert. So, the families and Robert and Theresa were all great friends, socialized together, and the children all played together. Robert was a star athlete playing basketball and an all-star pitcher in high school. He would follow his dreams of being a big-league pitcher when he offered a tryout with the New York Yankees. He enlisted in the Army and served 3 years as a Specialist 4th Class in the First Infantry Division. Two of those years were spent overseas where he was stationed in Orleans France in the finance departmen. He received his sharpshooter ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. Just like in the movies, the couple go their own ways only to later reconnect and fall in love. Robert returned from his military service, he and Theresa started dating and were married in November of 1962. For their honeymoon, they took a trip to California. They loved California so much, their trip lasted 6 years. They eventually settled in Burlington to raise their son and 2 daughters. Robert spent most of his career working in the shoe industry. He worked at Thom McAn, Hanlons, Florsheim, and Capps Shoes before taking a position at Michelsons Shoes in Needham. He spent 25 years as their assistant store manager. He had many loyal and longtime customers whom he knew all their sizes, preferences, and treated like old friends. Robert made his home in Burlington for 32 years. He enjoyed his neighborhood, working around his home, tinkering with cars and supporting and encouraging his children in their education, sports, and relationships. Robert loved animals and thoroughly enjoyed all the dogs and cats that passed through his home. For the past 15 years, he and his wife split their time living in Rochester, NH and North Myrtle Beach. Robert loved family vacations spent on Cape Cod with his children and cross country road trips with his in-laws and friends where he always had to be the driver. He also enjoyed family and neighborhood cookouts where he managed the grill. Robert lived his life with no regrets. He had many adventures, had a great career, and made a point to always make time for his family and friends. Robert was the devoted husband of Theresa (Kravish) Thacker. He was the loving father of Catherine Thacker of Billerica, Michael Thacker & his wife Nancy of Kingston, NH and Terese Thacker & her husband Paul Benoit of Wilmington. He was the proud grandfather of Faith Benoit and Luke & Erik Thacker. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Bob’s name may be made to Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 www.northeastanimalshelter.org For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net