Mr. Robert M. Lilly, of Woburn passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved on Saturday, May 28, 201,6 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington following a short illness. He was 84 years of age. Robert was the beloved husband of Rebecca P. (Demetri) and together they shared nearly 62 years of marriage. Born in Medford, Robert was the only child of the late Frank J. and Rose E. (Mahoney) Lilly.
Robert was raised in Cambridge and enlisted into the United States Coast Guard and honorably served his country during the Korean War. Following his return to civilian life he began his career with the telephone company where he worked as a manager. He retired in 1987 after more than 35 years of employment. Robert had many different interests and was always keeping busy and staying active in many different organizations and causes. He was passionate about traveling and once he retired, together with his wife they traveled the world. He was also active with the Boy Scouts of America for fifty years and served in a variety of positions both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He was awarded the distinguished Silver Beaver Award for his outstanding commitment to Scouting. He was a member of the Arlington Lodge of Elks, Woburn American Legion Post 101, and the Arlington Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1976 he received the Man of the Year award from the Woburn Kiwanis Club. Robert cared strongly for people and especially people who needed help when times were tough. He was always willing to help and often opened his home to family, friends and strangers when they needed a place to stay.
However, Roberts’s greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. His life was centered on them and he especially cherished his role as "Grampa". His grandchildren fondly referred to him as the "best Grampa in the whole wide world". He will be greatly missed. In addition to his beloved wife, Rebecca, Robert is survived by his devoted children; Charlene Antonakos and her husband George of Windham, NH, Frank J. Lilly and his wife Marie of St. Cloud, FL, Roseann Lilly Sauer and her husband David Sauer of Winchester. He was the loving Grampa of Becca, Nick and Alex Antonakos, Phoebe and Christian Sauer, and loving great grampa of Conor Belanger.
A funeral service will be conducted in the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN Thursday, June 2nd, at 11 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Wednesday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Robert's memory to the Make A Wish Foundation of Greater Boston, One Bullfinch Place 2nd fl. Boston MA 02114