Robert F. Phalen, formerly of West Bridgewater, Mass., passed away suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Holy Family Hospital after battling pneumonia.
Phalen was born on Jan. 24, 1933 in Norwood to the late Walter Munroe Phalen and Bridget Ellen McGrath. He spent his entire childhood in Norwood and at age 18 he joined the Air Force during the Korean War, fixing damaged airplanes. Following his time in the service he moved to West Bridgewater where he married Rose (Cry) Phalen. He then became a sheet metal worker in Boston for the Local 17 and retired in 1988.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his three children grow up and taking them on vacation to Disney, Rattlesnake Island in New Hampshire and many other memorable attractions. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, board games, and baseball in the backyard. Phalen was a Boy Scout leader for his son’s West Bridgewater Troop 25 for many years, where he built a trailer for the Troop to use for hauling camping equipment that the troop used for many years after his sons Tom and Walter were out of Boy Scouts.
Phalen moved to Methuen in 1996 and resided there until his passing. He enjoyed his daily lunch trips to the Methuen Senior Center, playing billiards and bowling with his buddies.
He was a sports fan and enjoyed attending Lowell Spinners games. A dedicated Patriots fan, Phalen never missed watching a game.
In addition to his parents, Phalen was also predeceased by his four siblings Dorothy L. Silvestri, Thomas E. Phalen, Walter J. Phalen and Catherine R. Hastings. He is survived by his three loving children Debbie Phalen and husband James Hunt, Thomas Phalen and Walter Phalen. He is also survived by his wife Rose and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill.