HAGEROTT, Robert E. Of Needham, a devoted, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on January 20, 2017 after a long illness. He was 89 years old. Bob was born in Bismarck, North Dakota and graduated from Mandan High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Navy. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. Bob’s early career included work at Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, NJ and at several aerospace companies in southern California. In 1971, he moved the family to Massachusetts where he began a 25-year career at the Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, MA.
Bob was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Needham, MA for more than 40 years. He was an avid bridge player and was often seen jogging through the streets of Needham. In his later years, one of his favorite pastimes was being “Pop-pop” to his eight grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Peggy, his son Jim and wife Karen, daughter Mary, son John, son Tom and wife Eileen, and grandchildren Brian, Shaun, Kegan, Corey, Cameron, Paige, Timmy and Theresa. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Keddy and husband Dick, sister-in-law Rosemary Hagerott, sister-in-law Maryanne McNamara, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Margaret Hagerott, and his brothers the Reverend Donald Hagerott and Edward Hagerott.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 4-7pm. Funeral from the funeral home Thursday, Jan. 26 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church or the Needham Senior Center.