Robert T. Canavan, Sr., age 90 of Chatham, MA, passed away at Cape Cod Hospital with his family at his side on March 21, 2024. He fought bravely but finally succumbed to complications from pneumonia. Bob was born on October 1,1933 and raised in Worcester, MA the son of Edward and Mary Canavan along with his two brothers Edward and James. He attended St. John's Preparatory School and graduated from Holy Cross College in 1955. He subsequently joined the United States Navy and served his duty on the destroyer USS Hyman in Cuba and Panama during the Korean War. When he returned home he married Lorraine Romanelli and shared 66 years of joy and commitment. They had four sons, Robert Jr., David, Scott and Brad. Bob was employed by McLean Transportation Company as Sales Manager for the Sales Department in charge of logistics. His career offered transfers to several states until they finally moved to Massachusetts where they settled and raised their family in Wayland, residing there for 37 years. While living in Wayland he ran for an opening on the Public Works Commission and received more votes than any candidate who ran for a local public office. His sons supported his campaign by passing out leaflets around town to help with his election. Good work boys. Bob was an avid Boston sports fan, but he had to endure the rivalry between Holy Cross and Boston College since there were four BC graduates in the family. He was especially enthusiastic about coaching his sons’ Little League baseball teams. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy, but most of all he welcomed summer vacations with his family on Cape Cod. He and Lorraine went on to build a home in Chatham in 1980 and subsequently moved to Chatham in 2001 after they both retired. Their favorite location was the Coast Guard Lighthouse Overlook where they spent many hours watching the activity on the shores of the barrier beach. His favorite part of each day was his visit to the Chatham Village Market to purchase a copy of the daily newspaper and chat with the owners and staff. They are amazing people and a great asset to the town.
Bob is survived by his son Bob, Jr., his son David and wife Beverly, his son
Scott, and his daughter-in-law Susan Canavan, wife of his beloved son Brad who sadly predeceased Bob in November 2022. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Scott, Jr., Drew Anne, Jenna, Will and Lydia, all of whom he adored. We loved him with all our hearts and will miss him always. Ciao Grampy
A Memorial Mass will be held on May 22 at 11:00 a.m. at our Lady of Grace Church, South Chatham.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to DAV- Disabled Veterans or a charity of your choice.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0