Robert F. "Bob" Gorton, a lifelong resident of Melrose, died on Sunday, March 28, 2010, at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston following an extended illness. He was 70 years old.
Bob was born in Melrose on July 26, 1939 to the late Samuel F. and Rosalynd (Norwood) Gorton. He grew up in Melrose where he attended Melrose Public Schools, graduated from Melrose High School in 1957 and received his degree from Wentworth Institute in Boston. Bob has been a licensed plumber most of his adult life and was the former Director of Maintenance for the Melrose Housing Authority for over 20 years. Following his retirement, Bob worked in the produce section at Johnny's Foodmaster on Main Street in Melrose for several years. Bob enjoyed walking his dog Mimi, playing golf, camping and traveling.
Bob is the beloved husband of 25 years and best friend of Barbara (McTigue) Gorton of Melrose and husband of the late Ann (MacDonald) Gorton. He is the devoted father of Bob Gorton Jr. of Wakefield, Jeff Gorton and his wife Cyndi of Reading, Andy Gorton of Marshfield and step-father of Jeff Logan and his wife Patti of Groveland. He is the loving Pampy to his 11 grandchildren. He is the beloved brother of Marilyn Jones of Wakefield.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob's visiting hours to celebrate his life on Thursday, April 1, 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m. in The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main Street, Melrose. Bob's Funeral Service and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Bob's name to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-TY, P.O. Box 4261, Pittsfield, MA 01202-4261.