Robert David Whearty

Retired Sandwich Police chief Robert D Whearty of East Sandwich passed away on Sunday, January 5th, at Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness. He was born at Salem hospital on May 22, 1943, to the late Robert D. Whearty and Sarah Coady Guy. He was the cherished Grandson of Mary and William Whearty for whom he spent his formative years. He graduated from Salem High School with the class of 1961. He then graduated from Burdett college in Boston MA with a business degree. Years later he attended classes at Northeastern University in Boston MA. He received both an Associate degree and Bachelor degree in criminal justice. He then continued on and received a Masters degree in Public Administration. He started his career in Law Enforcement serving as a special police officer for the town of Swampscott MA, while working full time as a guard at The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston where he met his future wife Arlene Cawley Whearty.

After they married they moved to Wayland MA, were he was appointed Patrol man in the department. He went up the ranks to detective then sergeant in a short time. He became aware of a Police chief opening in the Town of Sandwich MA and decided to apply for the position. He met all the criteria needed for the job. He was appointed chief of police in September 1970. At the time he was the youngest chief of police in Massachusetts. As the chief, Bob was known as an innovative and progressive police administrator. He loved his job and was dedicated to serving the people of Sandwich. He believed in connecting with those who needed help and advice, by taking their calls directly. While working in the department he was on the faculty of Cape Cod Community College, Fisher College and Barnstable County police department academy teaching criminal justice courses. He also served several terms as a secretary and later President of The Barnstable County Police Chiefs Associations.

After retiring from the department Bob worked various jobs in Sandwich. He was hired for security at The Heritage Museum and Gardens. He also was a substitute at the Sandwich Public Schools. Bob's last employment was at the Hoxie House working as a curator.

During the winter months Bob and Arlene enjoyed many years at their condo in Naples Florida. They made many friends and had wonderful winters enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. Bob enjoyed reading Irish history, researching his family tree, spending time on the beach with a good book, meeting with friends at the Cape Cod Canal but most of all being around his Grandchildren and family.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years Arlene Cawley Whearty, his brother William Whearty and his wife Mary of South Carolina, his brother Jeffrey and his wife Lucia of Beverly MA. He also leaves behind his daughter in law Colleen Nichiolson Whearty of Sandwich, and his beloved grandchildren Patrick, Brandon and Cailyn who called him “Papa”. He was predeceased by his son David who was the Harbormaster in the town of Sandwich. He was also survived by nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews, cousins and many friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 20th from 2-4 pm at Nickerson Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rt 6a in Sandwich. A memorial mass will be offered at Corpus Christi Parish at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's name to Tunnel to Towers foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, New York 10306 or Sandwich Public Schools athletic department, 270 Quaker meeting house rd 02537, atty Lindsey Foster.