Robert L. Willey
Avid Fisherman
SALISBURY: Robert L. Willey, age 64, of Salisbury, passed away unexpectedly at the Lawrence General Hospital on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.
Known to most as Willey, he was the beloved husband of 37 years to Maureen A. (Corcoran) Willey.
Born in Chelsea on June 23, 1953, he was the son of Clyde Willey of Ocala, FL and Lorraine (Shirran) (Willey) Laporte of Lakeland, FL.
He was raised in Tewksbury, and attended Tewksbury schools.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1978, and worked as a courier at ADS Management in Andover, and as a warehouseman at Visions Beauty Supply in Newburyport. For many years he was also a driver and storyteller for Plum Island Kayak in Newburyport.
Willey was a member of New England Kayak Fishing, known as “Big Boy” and was famous for his coffee, breakfasts and hospitality at their annual Striper Shootouts. He was also an avid fresh water fisherman, and spent many tranquil hours hoping to land a catch big enough to keep.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his brother, James Willey and his wife Cathy of Ocala, FL; three sisters-in-law, Pat Gustafson of Boone, NC, Linda Carter of Tewksbury, and Margaret Michaud of St. Mary’s Georgia. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and cherished friends.
Relatives and friends will be received on Saturday, Jan. 6, from 3-5 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. At the request of the family there are No Funeral Services. Private interment will be held at a later date. Please Omit Flowers. Donations in his memory may be made to Heroes on the Water Boston MA Chapter. c/o Chapter Coordinator: Greg Fowle, 207 Cook Road, Templeton, MA 01468.
Heroes on the Water is an organization committed to helping active duty military, veterans and first responders and families relax and rehabilitate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.