Robert Louis Runkal
June 7, 1956 – June 17, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Bobby Runkal shares news of his recent passing. As per his wishes, no formal services will be held, but his memory is honored with these words.
Though Bobby spent his final years in Carver, he would want to make clear that he was, first and foremost, from Dorchester. Born on June 7, 1956, the fourth child of Jim Runkal and Betty (Winterbottom), he passed away in the early morning hours of June 17, 2025, after a brief and fierce battle with metastatic cancer. He was not alone—his brother and daughter remained by his side throughout the night.
Bobby is survived by his only child, Erin Kelly (Runkal), her husband Chris, and their three children, Katie, Jack, and Dylan, all of Dorchester. He is also survived by his brother John and sister-in-law Christine of Foxboro; his nephews Brett, Johnny, Matt, and Eric; his niece Lisa; many great-nieces and nephews; and is remembered with love by his former wife, Beth (Rull) of Dorchester. He was predeceased by his brother Jimmie of Halifax and, far too recently, by his beloved sister Cathi of Hull.
He was a man who made a strong first impression—tall and handsome, with sun-worn, paint-splattered hands that spoke of a lifetime of labor. His beard and mustache were always neat, and he took pride in brushing back his thick black hair, tucking it under his favorite scally cap. He would want to insist that he never once colored his hair, it was all natural and strongly recalled his Highland Scots and Black Irish/Aran Islands ancestry.
With skills absorbed through generations of family working in the trades, Bobby could easily bring ideas into reality with his hands. Though his early education was interrupted by the busing crisis in Boston, he enjoyed the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. He loved conversation—diving into history, emerging science, philosophy, spirituality, and current events. He also loved cooking, often sharing generous portions of his beef stew, marinara sauce, and chili, which were often spicy but always filling. Gardening and landscaping were among his favorite pastimes, and he took great joy in watching his plants grow from seed to harvest.
Bobby held strong values. A proud Kennedy-era Democrat, he believed deeply in the honor of Unions, second chances, and a good life for all those willing to work hard. He despised bullies and division and often spoke of the strength found in unity—whether in families, neighborhood communities, or nations. The son of an immigrant, he loved what America stood for and hoped it would always strive to be kinder, stronger, and more true to its promise.
Music was another of Bobby’s great passions. He had great taste in music and loved classic rock. He kept WZLX on constantly at home or on the job site. He loved to share stories of concerts at the Boston Garden and other local venues—seeing The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and many more of the greats. He brought his daughter to her first Stones concert.
Though Bobby faced many personal challenges in life, he remained committed to growth. In his later years, he began to find genuine and lasting peace, thanks in large part to the strength of his relationships. He deeply admired and respected his older brother John, felt great empathy for his brother Jimmie, and shared a close and open friendship with his sister Cathi. After moving to Carver, he became a devoted caregiver to his mother, Betty—acting as her chauffeur, personal chef, gardener, and companion. He often showed his love more through actions than words,
Bobby remained close with his lifelong friends in Dorchester and found a new community in Carver through neighbors like Myrtle, Rick, and Rob, who shared meals, conversation, and companionship which brought him comfort, particularly after his mother passed..
He and his daughter Erin rebuilt a deeply meaningful bond towards the end of his life. As an adult, Erin came to know Bobby as not only her father but as one of her best friends. They shared many of the same beliefs, interests, and sense of humor, often talking late into the night. He adored her husband, Chris—though he did jokingly threaten him with a shotgun when they first dated—and never stopped reminding Erin how lucky she was (she knows!) But it was when Bobby spoke about his grandchildren—Katie, Jack, and Dylan—that he was at his most joyful. He was proud not just of what they had accomplished, but of who they were becoming.
Bobby’s illness came suddenly. Within a few short months, cancer stole away the time his family had hoped to share. He never stopped fighting or hoping, but he also accepted his fate with courage. With his daughter at his side to the very end, Bobby knew he was loved and supported. He found solace in the idea that energy never dies—it only changes form. Though not traditionally religious, he believed that when we pass our energy returns to reunite with those we love who went before us. Like energy, love endures.
Until that day when they are reunited in that next place, his family carries the weight of his absence. He is already missed beyond measure.
But he is loved—always.