Folsom Funeral Service

Foley, Robert J.

Robert J. Foley of Dedham passed away on November 12th, 2021 after a long and arduous battle with cancer. Though he was born and lived in Boston for the early years of his life, he was a lifelong Dedham townie. Known as Bobby or Bob by everyone that knew and loved him; he had friends at the American Legion, the Vets and the Moose. The youngest of three children, he grew up with a special gift; he was an incredibly talented athlete—though baseball, football and hockey were where he really honed his craft. At the sheer mention of his name, anyone who got the chance to see him play for Dedham High School in the mid 70s surely remember his legacy. After graduation, he went into the trades and eventually began doing maintenance for Dedham Public Schools. That passion for sports, though, remained with him. First a freshwater fisherman, he quickly made the transition over to saltwater after buying his first boat; he never looked back. He was an avid fisherman who loved a good catch—the more difficult, the better. In fact, he would tell you that the best catch of his life was marrying his wife, Lynne (McGilly) Foley and having his daughter, Erin.  He is also survived by his brother, John J. Foley III of West Brookfield, and his sister, Kathleen Saulnier of West Roxbury. Though he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, we can all take comfort in the fact that he is in a happier place, rod in hand, waiting to reel in his next catch. Bob’s visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Nov 17th from 4-7 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Thursday, Nov 18th starting at 9 am and proceed with us to St. Mary’s Church, 420 High Street, Dedham for his Funeral Mass at 10 o clock.  Interment will follow in Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 would be appreciated.

Guestbook Entries

  1. Joe McKinley
    November 14th, 2021 | 4:49 pm

    Bobby was one of a kind knew him most of my life great athletic but even more a good friend I will truly miss him

  2. Linda Panarelli
    November 14th, 2021 | 7:11 pm

    Lynne,

    So sorry for you loss of Bobby. I remember him from Dr K office, Bobby was always kind to me. I will pray for you and Erin.
    So sorry again. Lv Linda Panarelli

  3. Mary Sweeney
    November 14th, 2021 | 10:17 pm

    I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing! My heart breaks for you and Erin. I am so happy God gave him the strength to walk Erin down the isle on her wedding day. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate the days ahead. I Love you both!

    Mary

  4. Cindy egan
    November 15th, 2021 | 12:03 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss Lynn and family bob was a great man and I loved how much he cared for Missy and Saigon when I came to your house to groom them. Definitely a special person. I was honored to know him and you.

  5. Scotty Downey
    November 15th, 2021 | 8:07 am

    Dear Lynne and Erin, I am deeply saddened to hear that Bobby (Bubba) as I called him, passed away. My condolences to both of you.Bubba was a great man and will be missed by many.I had the pleasure to work with him for many years and I can remember when Erin was young he was so proud of her. I have many memories with Bubba and will keep them close to my heart. May the Lord be with you during this tough time.My thoughts and prayers are with both of you..May Bubba rest in peace..

  6. Louise Walmsley
    November 15th, 2021 | 10:33 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Rest In Peace Bob

  7. Edward Fitzhenry
    November 15th, 2021 | 1:52 pm

    Dear Lynne and Erin I just heard about Bobby! I knew him for years I’m so sorry to hear of his passing! He was a good man! May he rest in peace! Godbless!

  8. Kathleen Devaney
    November 15th, 2021 | 2:11 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Knew him from Tropicland.

  9. Joan Obrien
    November 15th, 2021 | 4:57 pm

    So sorry Lynn I will be in Florida,don’t get home till Wednesday night late.you and Erin are in my thoughts and prayers.so sorry

  10. Bobby Otto
    November 15th, 2021 | 8:02 pm

    My thoughts and prayers to all of Bobbys family. He was a great guy… my fishing competition..Nice, nice kid.. definitely will be missed. Shocked and saddened.

  11. Nancy Capone
    November 15th, 2021 | 8:30 pm

    Lynne, Erin, I am so sorry for your loss.

  12. George keller
    November 15th, 2021 | 10:56 pm

    Bob was great guy… we had a lot of great times . I’m so sorry to hear of his passing as we lost touch over the years.. my condolences to his family and other friends..

  13. Jenn Lusala
    November 15th, 2021 | 11:47 pm

    ’m so sorry to hear about Bob! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Erin. May God give you strength to get through the days ahead. Love you guys!
    Jenn

  14. Cathy Foley
    November 16th, 2021 | 3:46 pm

    Lynne, Russ and I are so sorry about Bobby. Always enjoyed bumping into you both at the Legion. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
    Cathy Foley

  15. Tom Anderson
    November 17th, 2021 | 2:14 pm

    I’m sorry to have read about the passing of Bobby , a great athlete growing up in the Dedham Manor , my condolences to the family,
    Tom Anderson
    Liphook Hampshire England

  16. Kenneth Scott
    November 17th, 2021 | 2:48 pm

    Lynne and Erin, so sorry for the loss of Bob. I never knew that he was sick, seems like it was not long ago he was out mowing the lawn. The neighborhood will not be the same. May he rest in peace.

  17. Cindy Hoffman
    November 17th, 2021 | 4:24 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t have the chance to meet him, but he sounded like a wonderful and special man. Thinking of you and your family.
    Love, Cindy

  18. the Papsadore family
    November 17th, 2021 | 6:27 pm

    Very sorry to hear about bobby passing he was a good guy. Bobby will be missed may he rest in peace. Sad to hear

  19. Al Wright
    November 17th, 2021 | 10:22 pm

    Bobby was a great friend growing up and no offense to the DHS athletes in the 70’s one of the most talented athletes of that time. That say’s a lot as folks in that era well know. So many great memories. RIP Bobby Foley!

  20. Joseph Boncek
    December 2nd, 2021 | 9:11 pm

    My condolences to the Foley family. RIP Bob. Until we meet again.

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service