Robert E. McWhirk Jr.

Robert Edwin McWhirk, Jr., a longtime resident of Dedham and formally of South Boston passed away peacefully on Saturday October 31, 2026, after decades of serious illness.

After graduating from South Boston High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years during the Vietnam Era in the 484th Transportation Squadron. Upon returning home he was employed by Old Colony Trust Company where he met his future wife Pat, to whom he was married for 58 years. Bob began his career with New England Telephone Company and worked his way up from lineman to management, retiring from Nynex due to increasing health issues. Not long after retiring Bob began working for the Dedham Public Library and enjoyed 26 years surrounded by books, hardworking staff, new friends and up to date happenings around the town.

Reading was Bob’s passion and he enjoyed being able to sit and read a good book, often two or three books a week. History books were his favorite. Bob was a longtime fan of Boston sports. He credited his armchair coaching to Championships for his Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox, and hopefully this year the Revolution.

As much as he loved his books and sports, he loved his family more. Being surrounded by family made Bob the happiest and, often, family was his best medicine. He endured many medical interventions to enable him to celebrate and enjoy commemorative occasions or just being there when they needed him. His grandchildren were the joy of his life.

Bob was the beloved husband of (as he affectionately referred to as his “first wife”) Patricia A. (Pesaturo), and devoted father of Keith M. McWhirk and his daughter in love Lauren C., of New Jersey, and Steven A. McWhirk and his fiancée Kelly of Norwood. “Grumpy Grampa” to his adored grandchildren. Bob was the loving son of the late Robert and Josephine (Peterson) McWhirk and cherished brother to the late Joanne Marie McWhirk.

He is also survived by Brendan and Grace Guinnane, and Kenney and Marie Pesaturo his selfless in-laws who along with our ever-giving neighbors Jimmy, Gerry and Gene made it possible for Bob to remain at home these past three years. Several much-loved nieces and nephews as well as precious grandnieces and grandnephews. His loyal visitor Maureen and her delicious angel food cakes.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and medical staff over the years, in particular Dr. Nicholas Mascoli and Dr. Iram Farooqi whose commitment to caring for Bob never wavered. More recently The Good Shepard Hospice nurses and caretakers and the staff at the West Roxbury VA, and Brockton VA hospice whose compassion and caring for him knew no bounds.

A private funeral will be held, and a Mass and celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor his memory are invited to keep him and his family in your prayers and donations in his name would be appreciated to the following:

VA Boston Healthcare System
c/o Voluntary Services
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301

Please use code FCP5201 on memo line to indicate donations to the general fund for veterans.