Robert J. Lyons passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2015. Bob was the son of the late John F. and Loretta (Keefe) Lyons. He was born in Lawrence on March 7, 1936. Bob was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and earned three degrees from Merrimack College, including bachelor degrees in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, and an associate degree in Electrical Engineering. Bob was an employee of Western Electric for over 32 years and retired in 1993. He was a member of the Pioneers Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 8 and a member of the Holy Name Society of St. Michael’s Parish where in retirement, he attended daily Mass.
Bob was a true family man; enjoying his children’s soccer games, ski vacations, trips to Cape Cod, Seabrook Beach, Disneyland, Disneyworld and snorkeling in St. Kitts. A favorite car trip was to the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN., with stops at Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. Later, Bob and Pat traveled to Ireland, Aruba and Bermuda. In his retirement years, they spent time in Florida and joined St. Michael’s travel group for 7 years, visiting most of the countries in Europe. A year ago, Bob traveled to Disneyworld with his 8 grandchildren. What Fun!!!
Bob was a good family man and friend; hosting the Lyons’ family Christmas parties and St. Patrick’s Day parties where his delicious beef stew was served to over 2 dozen guests. He was best known for his 4th of July Pool Party, which was held for over 40 years with a parade of flags, and a sing along of patriotic and Irish songs. Bob was just a great guy and will be truly missed.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Patricia (Scanlon) Lyons. They would’ve celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February. He is also survived by his devoted children, Robert M. of Methuen, his daughters, Mary E. Ballantyne, Kathleen A. Lyons, and Anne Marie and Gene Fay all of North Andover, his grandchildren, Brady and Riley Lyons, Caroline, Eileen and Nora Fay, Grace, Laurel and William Ballantyne. He leaves his sister, Joanne Pekarski of Methuen and his Godmother, Mary O’Reilly, of Andover, a brother-in-law, Timothy and Janet Scanlon, sister-in-law Margaret and Romeo Brien, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends. Bob was predeceased by his sister, Maureen (Jack) Allen, his brother, John F. (Jean Anne) Lyons and his brothers in law, Louis Pekarski and Thomas Scanlon. “For the Good Times.”
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in St. Michael’s Church, 196 Main St., North Andover, MA. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. Relatives and friends may call on Monday, November 16, 2015 from 4 to 8 P.M. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Merrimack St., North Andover, MA. The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 8 will meet at the funeral home on Monday at 6:30 P.M. to perform their ritual. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.