Westborough – Robert “Bob” Gordon Bleakney Jr., of Westborough and Rumney, N.H., formerly of Sudbury and Needham, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 23, 2016, surrounded by family, at the age of 90. He was born June 29, 1925 in Boston to Robert G. and Mildred (McLellan) Bleakney.
A much loved man, he loved the Lord, his family, and many friends. He lived his faith generously and consistently, giving grace, love, and laughter to all he knew.
Beloved husband of almost 61 years to Karin (Kavanagh) Bleakney. Loving father to Katherine Pawley and her husband Keenan of Bedford, N.H.; Elizabeth Lambert of Northbridge; Robert Bleakney and his wife Tighseti of Worcester; Linda Gorham and her husband Douglas of Upton; and Amy Neil and her husband Mark of Westborough. Loving brother to Richard, Lois McCabe (deceased), and James (deceased). Devoted grandfather to Sean Pawley, Melissa Pawley, Daniel and Gretchen Lambert, Robert and Alexis Lambert, Jenna Gorham, Ashley Gorham, Kara Neil and Jeremiah Muhire, Emily Neil, Kevin Neil, Ryan Neil, and Lindsay Neil. Bob also counted as family many others including, but not limited to, many Spillers, Jurgeleits, Hatches, Allens, Phillips, Gongs, Dave and Nancy Fazzone, Linda and Griffin Dalianis, Ann Sargeant, Claire Locher and children, Cathy Conaty (deceased), and countless dogs. His home was a happy, busy place where there was always room for one more.
A World War II and Korean War U.S. Army veteran, and Eagle Scout, he was also a graduate of the University of Maine and Harvard Law School. He practiced law at the Boston & Maine Railroad before becoming a founding partner at Sullivan & Worcester in Boston, where he worked for over 25 years. He served on the board of Cooper Community Center, and provided active support and legal services to several churches.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet Bob’s extended family Saturday, June 25, from 2-4 p.m., at the David A. Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. In celebration of Bob’s well-lived life, a funeral service will be held Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main St., Westborough. All are invited to remain for a gathering of friends and relatives after the service. A private interment will be held in the future.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to practice a random act of kindness in his memory.
