Robert E. Withrow Jr.

Mr. Robert E. Withrow, Jr. (Bob) passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 in Brigham and Women's Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 71.

Bob was born March 17, 1954 in Waltham, to Robert E. and Rita R. (Cormier) Withrow. He graduated from Waltham High School in 1972, and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia M. Vanaria (Pat), whom he loved deeply, on October 8, 1983 at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham. In 1990, Bob and his family moved to Dedham, where they raised their two boys, Robert (Rob) and Daniel (Dan), and where he resided until his passing.

After college, Bob worked as a history teacher in the Waltham public schools but spent the majority of his career as a letter carrier in Natick, for the US Postal Service.

Bob had an unwavering faith throughout his life. He attended Mass regularly at St. Denis Church in Westwood, where he served as a member of the choir and was a regular cantor for their Easter vigil. Bob spent his life in service to others...no matter the request, the time, or the weather. Bob was always ready to help his family, without complaint or hesitation. In his free time, when he was not traveling Europe with Pat or going out to dinner with friends and family, you could find him sitting in his favorite chair doing the New York Times Crossword puzzle, reading a new book, or working on a jigsaw puzzle.

Bob was loved by all who met him, but no one was more important to Bob than his family. He was never too tired after work to play catch or shoot baskets in the driveway with his sons, or too busy to play with his grandchildren. He was without equal as a husband, father and grandfather, and his family will miss him dearly.

In addition to his wife, Pat, of 42 years, Bob leaves behind his sons, Robert E. Withrow III (Erin) of Walpole and Daniel P. Withrow (Christina) of Weymouth; his grandchildren, Bernadette, Vivian, Daphne, Sean and Amelia; his siblings, Helen C. Antonellis (Kenneth) of Boylston, Susan A. Bowers (Jonathan) of Danvers, James P. Withrow (Deborah) of South Carolina, and Warren M. Withrow (Karen) of Rehoboth, and many cherished in-laws from the Vanaria family, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, November 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Those wishing to view the broadcast of Bob's funeral Mass please use this link: https://www.sacredheart311.com/watch-match