Robert G. Symes

Mr. Robert G, Symes, Captain-Weymouth Police Department (Retired), of Marshfield, formerly of Abington and Plymouth, passed away on December 3, 2021 surrounded by his children after a lengthy battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Bob was born in Dorchester, MA on October 1, 1940 to the late Robert M. and Alice M. (Donoghue) Symes.  He was a 1958 graduate of English High School. Following graduation from high school, Bob worked at the Quincy Shipyard alongside his father and several uncles.  He also served in the United States Naval Reserve as a 2nd Class aviation structural mechanic from 1960-1968. He married Mary Sheehan in October 1965 and settled in Weymouth and subsequently in Abington to raise their family. Bob joined the Weymouth Police Department (WPD) in 1967 where he worked for 35 years until his retirement in 2002.  During his years on the WPD, Bob served as President of the WPD Patrolman’s Union in 1980. He also progressed through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and ultimately retired as Captain. Bob served as the chairperson of the building committee to build the ‘new’ police station where it is currently located on Winter Street in Weymouth.  The firing range in the building was named in his honor for his countless hours devoted to making the new station finally come to fruition after many, many years. In his early years on the department, Bob enjoyed playing on several of the WPD softball and hockey teams. Bob would continue to further his education obtaining his Associate’s degree from Massasoit Community College in 1978 and his Bachelor’s degree from Western New England University in 1991.

Bob’s family was his top priority.  He coached youth baseball in Abington for many years and was an avid supporter of all activities (sports, theatre, etc) that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in.  He made sure that he attended as many of those events as possible.  He particularly enjoyed family trips up and down the East coast camping, riding roller coasters at many different amusement parks and incorporating historical/educational aspects to each of those trips.  Bob’s family spent many years at Maple Park Campground in East Wareham where he enjoyed playing softball every weekend and golfing with friends at many of the golf courses on the Cape.  Upon retirement, Bob and Mary would split their time between Massachusetts and Florida. He would continue playing golf in retirement on a more consistent basis until his physical health prohibited it.  He and Mary would also enjoy many trips and cruises with their closest friends during their ‘golden’ years.   Bob was also a member of the Knights of Columbus which he joined in 1958 and there was no bigger New England Patriots fan than Bob, who rarely missed watching a game since their inception in 1960.

Loving husband of 54 years to the late Mary M. (Sheehan) Symes.  Devoted father of Mary K. Antonucci and her husband, Paul, of Sanbornton, NH, Robert W. Symes and his wife Janine of Kingston, MA and Michael T. Symes and his wife Amy of Weymouth, MA.  Beloved Grampa of Jacquelyn Reed, Ryan Antonucci, Nicole Antonucci, Kiera Symes, William Symes, Elina Symes, Laura Symes and Hannah Symes. Great Grampa to Luca and Lyla Reed. Bob is also survived by his sister, Lorraine Kippenberger of Medfield as well as several nieces and nephews and many Donoghue cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, December 8, from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).

Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Thursday, December 9, prior to the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Weymouth at 10 AM.

Burial in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Weymouth.