Robert Warren Phinney, a lifelong resident of Andover Massachusetts, died on December 27th at his home after a short illness. Mr. Phinney, the son of the late Harold and Lillian Phinney was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on January 2, 1928 and was educated in the Andover Public School system. After graduating from Andover (Punchard) High School, he attended Kimball Union Academy for post-graduate year before attending Merrimack College.
His professional career began when he joined his father in the radio and television business in Andover and then continued when he founded R.W. Phinney Associates, a commercial real estate investment and management company in Merrimack Valley. In addition to his real estate practice, Mr. Phinney was the Managing Director of The Lanam Club, a private fine dining establishment that was founded in the 1950’s. With the intention of promoting the business and social climate in the Merrimack Valley, the founding members chose to name the club after the surrounding towns of Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Methuen. During Mr. Phinney’s tenure as managing director, he hosted several well known dignitaries such as former President, George W. Bush, former Defense Secretary, Alexander Haig, former founder and Chairman of Wang Laboratories, Dr. An Wang, and family friend, Jay Leno. The Lanam Club, under Mr. Phinney’s leadership, was chosen by the producers of the motion picture School Ties, for several prominent scenes in the film. After more than 15 years of commitment to the club, Mr. Phinney retired in June of 1996.
Mr. Phinney was involved with numerous civic and professional organizations throughout his life. Most notably, he was a Director of The Andover Savings Bank, The Holy Family Hospital, past President of The Men of Merrimack College, as well a member of the school’s President Advisory Council. He was also past President of the The Big Brother, Big Sister Association of Greater Lawrence, and the Andover Massachusetts Board of Trade. He was an avid sportsman and golfer who played worldwide and was a member of the North Andover Country Club and Abenaqui Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. Mr. Phinney was inducted into the Andover High School Hall of Fame as the school’s only student to earn a varsity letter in 4 sports during the same year for Basketball, Baseball, Football and Track.
Mr. Phinney was married to Joyce D. Phinney of Seabrook New Hampshire and was the father of the late Mary Kay Phinney. He leaves his brother William of Cooper City, FL and his loving children and grandchildren, Ellen Kipfer, her husband Rob and their son, Adam of Swampscott, MA , Abby Jane Robertson, her husband Brad, and their two sons, Nicolas and Benjamin of Pepperell, MA, Robert W. Phinney, Jr., his wife Susan and their children, Caroline, Robert III, and William of Duxbury, MA, and Martha Babbit, her husband Robert and their daughters Kacie and Carleigh of Bolton, MA.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, Saturday, January 5, 2008, at 11 AM. Many relatives and friends respectfully attended. Calling hours were in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, Friday, January 4, 2008 from 3 to 8 PM. Burial was in Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover. For additional information please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.