Robert J. Heavey, 87, of Medway died January 4 in Wellesley after a period of declining health due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was the husband of Virginia I. (Wrenne) Heavey for the past 65 years.
Born in Roslindale, September 19, 1928, the son of the late Dr. Thomas J. and Annie (Newman) Heavey, Mr. Heavey had lived for most of his life in Medway. He was a 1948 graduate of Medway High School.
Bob was the sole proprietor of R.J. Heavey Plumbing Company in Walpole for 60 years. He had been active in the Town of Medway serving as the town plumbing and gas inspector for 40 years. He also had been the plumbing inspector for the Town of Walpole.
Bob also served on the Town of Medway Board of Selectmen, the Board of Health, the Water and Sewer Board and the Good Government Committee.
Bob had served on the Town of Medway Volunteer Fire Department attaining the rank of Deputy Chief for 25 years.
He also had held many Massachusetts state licenses inclusive of plumber and contractor.
He was awarded the Medway Citizen of the Year in 2002.
Bob enjoyed restoring buildings into rental properties, collecting and restoring antique automobiles, flying, spending time in his vacation home in Maine, and spending time with family and friends.
He was a man of the people.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Robert Heavey and is wife Patricia of Everett, Washington, Michael Heavey and his wife Martha of Medway, and Catherine (Heavey) Bianchi of Medway.
He is also survived by his sister Catherine (Heavey) Daly of Framingham and was the brother of the late RoseAnna (Heavey) Powers, Thomas Heavey, Ellen (Heavey) Evers, Margaret (Heavey) Cox and Mary (Heavey) Melia.
He is also survived by his grandsons Robert Heavey and Sean Bianchi and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
His funeral will be held on Friday, January 8, from the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 3 Barber Street, Medway at 9:15 followed by a funeral mass in St. Joseph Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 p.m.
Gifts in memory of Mr. Heavey may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas, Place. Memphis TN, 38105 or the Alzheimer’s Association 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.