Robert L. “Bob” Bavelock, age 77, a resident of Plymouth, Massachusetts and Naples, Florida. He died peacefully surrounded by his wife of 51 years, 5 kids and several of his 13 grandchildren on October 29, 2009, at Boston Medical Center after a short illness.
He was the beloved husband of Moira A. (Healy) Bavelock for 51 years.
Besides his wife, he is survived by five children, Greta and Craig MacRae, Mark and Kate, Chris and Lisa, Gregory and Heather and Molly and Christopher O’Connor. He is survived by 13 loving grandchildren.
Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late John and Ann Bavelock. He graduated Boston College High School in 1949 and Holy Cross and then St. John’s Seminary where he a Bachelor of Arts in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1957, during which time he attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. He learned the Hungarian language and served as a Hungarian Interpreter in Germany and was honorably discharged. He later graduated Boston College with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1959, and University of Michigan in 1969 with a Master’s Degree in Public Health.
Bob served as Chief, Medicaid Operations Branch of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (formerly known as Health Education & Welfare) from 1970 – 1993. He later went on to run the 1749 Court House & Museum in Plymouth for 14 years. He was an active volunteer during his retirement with Cranberry Area Hospice, Plymouth Public Library, Plymouth County Jail, Plymouth Visitor’s Center, and Pilgrim Hall.
His memorial visitation will be held at The Davis Funeral Home at 373 Court Street Plymouth Massachusetts on Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
His memorial service will take place at St. Mary’s Church, 313 Court Street Plymouth Massachusetts on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations are made to one of his favorite charities: The Pine Street Inn in Boston or to a charity of one’s choice.