Robert D. Greenlaw
July 7, 1940 ~ March 9, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert D. Greenlaw.
Bob graduated from Holten High School with the Class of 1958. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served our country as a Green Beret.
Returning home, Bob found an interest in floor tiling and soon became a professional perfectionist at the trade.
He worked full time as a firefighter for the City of Peabody, retiring after 31 years with the department.
Following his retirement, he began assisting the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Danvers. Bob was a ‘jack of all trades’ for them and loved them all dearly. He was there to fix anything that needed fixing, even working on the bell tower with Sister Bernadette—what a team they made!
Bob enjoyed his twice-weekly breakfast meetings with his lifelong friends. He leaves behind many close friends, who were there for him even when he was down and out. They include Bill D., Reggie C., Steve M., Sal G., Dick, Carter, Don M., Rico A., Brad S. and Bob M., just to name a few. Bob’s family thanks each of you for the warmth, friendship, and help during Bob’s illness.
They are also grateful for the treasured friendship of Sister Bernadette and Joanne Desilets, who brought much joy to Bob. As soon as Jude would tell him they were coming to visit, his face would light up and you could see his happiness.
Bob leaves a sister, Janice Brigham and her husband Donald, and his nieces and nephews, Donna Reardon (Ken), Cathy MacLaughlan (Dick), Jude Sidmore, Bill Greenlaw (Denise), Glenn Brigham (Heather), Dayle Miller (Kim). He also leaves many great-nieces and nephews who he loved. He had a special love and friendship with his great-nephew Garrett Sidmore, who was a large part of Bob’s life and was there to help care for him until his death.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, John and Irene Greenlaw, his brother and sister-in-law Paul and Janet Greenlaw, his nephews Dana Greenlaw and Craig Brigham, his nephew and best friend, Steve Sidmore, and his dear rabbit, Hazel.
Bob, you are now at peace and our angel. We treasured our time together. Goodnight Uncle Bob, we love you.
Bob’s graveside service will be Friday March 15, 2024 at 11AM in Walnut Grove Cemetery, 30 Sylvan St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. At Bob’s request there are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MSPCA-Angell, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. Guestbook available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.
Urban dictionary defines a Renaissance man as an individual enlightened in all spheres of human endeavor including, but not limited to: sports, art, science, war, philosophy and music. Bob had a hand in all those things – he was a veteran and patriot; he was extremely well-read; an avid Boston College football fan; a patron of the Boston Symphony Orchestra; a collector of Jaguar sports cars; a proponent of civil political discourse; a collector of books and music; adoptive dad to several pet rabbits (and caterer to many wild ones). We were blessed to have Bob in our lives these past 25 years and though we shed tears today at his loss, our fond memories will last until we join him in death. We send sincere condolences to his family. Ellie and Dick Bianchini
Bob truly was a man for all seasons. accomplished in many fields but oh so humble.His pursuit of perfection in all his par-takings is evident in his lists of deeds. We spent many hours together toiling over finishing his Jaguar. His determination to get it right was a driving force represented by the final product. His passing is hard on us to bear. But our relationships, the memories we made shall help us remember him as he was. A kindhearted, special human being. We will miss you. Rest In Peace my friend
Don & Marie Moore
He was a man of many talents and you were blessed to have known him. He was an exceptional person and he will be missed and may he rest in peace, Tom Moran
Love always