Obituary for Robert J. Kilroy (Bob)
Robert J. Kilroy, age 78, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 15, 2021, at Lowell General Hospital, Lowell, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Kathryn (Lauder) Kilroy with whom he shared 42 years of marriage.
Bob was born on October 24, 1942, in Dorchester, MA, and was a son of the late Arthur and Margaret (McFarland) Kilroy. Bob was raised in Natick, MA and was a proud graduate of Marian High School in Framingham. After high school, he attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton and earned a degree in philosophy. After his years in the seminary, Bob discovered his true calling was in horticulture. He attended The Conway School of Landscape Design and graduated in 1981. He went on to own and operate Kilroy Design Associates for 15 years. While in his own business he participated in many New England Spring Flower Shows where he took home numerous awards. Bob truly enjoyed the camaraderie and competition when designing and showcasing his exhibits.
In his retirement, Bob took up watercolor painting and his art lives on in the homes of many family and friends. He was also in the process of writing a landscape manual that he worked on tirelessly. In addition, Bob volunteered at the Chelmsford Senior Center. His dishwashing skills were unmatched.
In addition to his loving wife Kit, Bob leaves his children and their spouses; Matthew Kilroy (Michelle) of Hampstead, NH, and Laura Cellucci (Ronald) of Sugar Land, Texas. Bo, as he was lovingly referred to by his four grandchildren, Miles and Maxwell Kilroy and James and Elizabeth Cellucci, were the little loves of his life. Bob also leaves his much-loved sister Janice Skelley and her fiancé, Roger Bayley, a great friend to Bob, of Framingham, MA. Along with his sister, Bob leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Jan Lauder of Fullerton, CA, Jeffrey Casavant of Woburn, MA and Kathie Kilroy of Holliston, MA. Also left behind are four nephews and two nieces.
Bob was predeceased by his twin brother, Bill, his sister Maureen Casavant and his brothers, Dennis and Tommy Kilroy.
Bob’s endless optimism, kindness and playful personality will be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends.
Due to gathering limitations, Funeral Services will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Friends of the Senior Center, Inc. c/o Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd. Chelmsford, MA 01863.
Bob was born on October 24, 1942, in Dorchester, MA, and was a son of the late Arthur and Margaret (McFarland) Kilroy. Bob was raised in Natick, MA and was a proud graduate of Marian High School in Framingham. After high school, he attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton and earned a degree in philosophy. After his years in the seminary, Bob discovered his true calling was in horticulture. He attended The Conway School of Landscape Design and graduated in 1981. He went on to own and operate Kilroy Design Associates for 15 years. While in his own business he participated in many New England Spring Flower Shows where he took home numerous awards. Bob truly enjoyed the camaraderie and competition when designing and showcasing his exhibits.
In his retirement, Bob took up watercolor painting and his art lives on in the homes of many family and friends. He was also in the process of writing a landscape manual that he worked on tirelessly. In addition, Bob volunteered at the Chelmsford Senior Center. His dishwashing skills were unmatched.
In addition to his loving wife Kit, Bob leaves his children and their spouses; Matthew Kilroy (Michelle) of Hampstead, NH, and Laura Cellucci (Ronald) of Sugar Land, Texas. Bo, as he was lovingly referred to by his four grandchildren, Miles and Maxwell Kilroy and James and Elizabeth Cellucci, were the little loves of his life. Bob also leaves his much-loved sister Janice Skelley and her fiancé, Roger Bayley, a great friend to Bob, of Framingham, MA. Along with his sister, Bob leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Jan Lauder of Fullerton, CA, Jeffrey Casavant of Woburn, MA and Kathie Kilroy of Holliston, MA. Also left behind are four nephews and two nieces.
Bob was predeceased by his twin brother, Bill, his sister Maureen Casavant and his brothers, Dennis and Tommy Kilroy.
Bob’s endless optimism, kindness and playful personality will be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends.
Due to gathering limitations, Funeral Services will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Friends of the Senior Center, Inc. c/o Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd. Chelmsford, MA 01863.