Robert T. Bagnall

With sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and husband, Robert T. Bagnall of Marshfield, formerly of Waltham and Brighton who died on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the age of 90.

Robert was born in Brighton on January 13, 1936, the son of the late Evelyn and George Bagnall. Following his graduation from Saint Columbkille High School in Brighton, Robert went on to earn an electrical engineering degree from Northeastern University in 1959. While attending Northeastern, Robert began working at Raytheon Company where he remained a dedicated employee for over 46 years before retiring. In 1958, Robert married his high school sweetheart, Janis Elizabeth Maloney, and together they raised six children, traveled the world, and built beautiful homes together. Their relationship was a true partnership and an inspirational example of marriage and parenthood.

Affectionately known as “Captain Bob,” Robert was a strong, loving, and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. His knowledge, wisdom, and guidance formed the foundation of his family. He took particular joy in working on science projects first with his children and, later, with his grandchildren. Anyone who knew Robert knew that he was the most loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather a family could ask for.

Robert was a passionate sailor and ski enthusiast. While living and raising his children in Waltham, he started the Waltham Buddy Werner League at Prospect Hill. In the winter many of Robert’s weekend days started before sunup atop Prospect Hill with his children, setting up race courses and organizing ski events. In the summer months, Robert enjoyed his beach homes in Green Harbor, especially when sailing.

In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his sister Mildred and brothers James and George. Heartbreakingly, Robert was also predeceased by his son, Kenneth R. Bagnall.

Robert is survived by his wife of 68 years, Janis (Maloney) Bagnall, sons Timothy R. Bagnall (Waltham), Jonathan R. Bagnall and his wife, Caroline Pereira Bagnall (Waltham), Christopher R. Bagnall and his partner Vanessa Lukosus (Waltham), Robert T. Bagnall, Jr. (Waltham), and his daughter, Kerry A. Bagnall (Marshfield). Robert also leaves behind eight grandsons whom he loved and cherished with all his heart.

Robert leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and profound devotion to his family. His influence on the lives of his children and grandsons will be remembered always with gratitude, admiration, and love. May Robert rest in peace.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Robert’s life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham on Wednesday June 17th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Parish, 888 Trapelo Road Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Words of Remembrance offered by Bob's son, Jonathan, at his Funeral Mass:

Today, we gather to honor and remember a remarkable man—

Robert, Bob, Bobby…but most importantly to us, Dad. 

Dad was the rock of our family. He was the steady presence we could always count

on—no matter the situation, no matter the challenge. He carried himself with quiet

strength and a deep sense of responsibility—not because he had to, but because

that’s who he was. He always put others before himself.

Everything he did was rooted in care. He cared deeply about his family. He cared

about doing the right thing. And he cared about showing up—day after day—with

love, consistency, and purpose.

He provided for us in every sense of the word, but what he gave us went far beyond

that. He gave us confidence—confidence that we were safe, that we were supported,

and that no matter what life placed in front of us, we would be okay.

Dad believed in us—completely and without hesitation. And because he believed in

us, he taught us how to believe in ourselves.

His optimism never faded. No matter how difficult things became, he had a way of

helping us see the way forward. He reminded us that there was always

hope—always another step to take. And he didn’t just say these things—he lived

them, every single day, through his actions, his work ethic, and his presence.

His love never wavered. It was steady, dependable, and unconditional.

He was the kind of dad anyone would wish for. The kind of dad who gave without

limits—who never measured how much he could give, only how much he could help.

He supported, nurtured, guided, and encouraged us through every stage of life.

And when there was ever frustration, it wasn’t about himself—it was because he

wished he could do even more for others, even faster. That instinct to help, to fix, to

make things better—it defined him.

That is who he was.

We will remember his wisdom.

We will remember his strength.

We will remember his quiet guidance in moments when we needed it most.

And we will remember the countless everyday moments—the ones that may have

seemed small at the time, but meant everything—where he showed us what it truly

means to be a good person, a devoted father, and a loving husband.

What he gave us didn’t end with his time here. We carry it forward.

His resilience.

His generosity.

His optimism.

And most importantly, his love.

Dad built more than a life, more than a home—he built a foundation for all of us. A 

foundation grounded in family, integrity, and unwavering support.

And that foundation will stay with us, always.

We love you, Dad.

And we will carry you with us—every day.