Robert J. Jordan, of Medford, and Dennis Port, formerly of Boston, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and family at his home on July 13, 2021. He was 82.
Born March 6, 1939 in Peabody, Massachusetts, son of the late Eugene and Helen (O’Connor) Jordan, formerly of Andover and Florida. Bob graduated from Punchard High School in Andover in 1956, received his bachelor’s degree from Colby College in 1960, and his JD from Georgetown Law Center in 1963. He practiced law at 6 Beacon Street, Boston for 50 years, and was a partner with the law firm of Serra, Jordan, & Carbone.
In 1969, Atty. Jordan was appointed as Public Administrator of Suffolk County by Governor Francis Sargent. He held this unprecedented position for forty-five years through the administration of every succeeding governor through Deval Patrick. He retired in 2015.
While at Colby College, Jordan realized his dream to become a member of the United States Military. He joined the Air Force ROTC, but later transferred into the Army National Guard. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became the Judge Advocate General (JAG) for the 26th Yankee Infantry Division. Lt. Col. Jordan retired in 1992 after 29 years of dedicated service to the Massachusetts Army Reserve National Guard.
Atty. Jordan was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Assn., the Mass. Bar Assn, the Mass. Trial Lawyers Assn. the Middlesex County Examiners Assn, the Essex County Bar Assn., the Supreme Court Bar Assn., and The Federal District Court Assn. He was former president of the New England Judge Advocates Assn., former vice pres. of the Medford Historical Society, and longtime member of the Executive Health Club at the Cambridge YMCA.
Bob Jordan was beloved by all who knew him whether it be his colleagues, his friends, or simply an acquaintance. He was blessed with a remarkable memory, was an avid reader, had a deep love for history, literature, travel, sports, good food, and an eagerness to share his knowledge or stories with everyone. He genuinely loved people, reveled in his role as Mr. Claus, and above all lived for his beloved Red Sox.
Bob was affectionately known as Uncle Bob or UB to family and friends alike. He delighted in taking the children to places near and far. How he enjoyed seeing Disney World, Washington, and other points of interest through their eyes, as well as challenging them on the ski slopes, golf courses or beaches. During his later years, Bob was hampered by ill health, but only to realize he was fortified by the continuous love and unending devotion of the children.
Bob, and his wife Louise, were blessed with 52 years of marriage, and to be sure were each other’s greatest gift. Their summer home in Dennis Port was undoubtedly his favorite port of call, bringing them back to where they met, and where they continued to make a lifetime of wonderful memories.
He is survived by his wife, Louise C. (Gingras) Jordan of Medford, their nephews and nieces: Albert Gingras of East Boston, Brian Gingras of Methuen, Denis Gingras of Wilmington, Ann Marie Klein of Abington, Susan Nugent of Reading, Linda Capeless of Woburn, Francis McHugh of Boston, Peter McHugh of NH, their spouses and children, his sister-in-law, Carol Gingras Sharpe, and his cousins including the Kapala’s, Kavanaugh’s, Egan’s, and Walker’s.
My sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and all healthcare personnel at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Mass General Hospital, rehab facilities, Home Again Private Care, The Care Dimension Hospice Program, and Patricia McCarthy, NP, all of whom cared for Bob
with such compassion and expertise.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Raphael Church, West Medford. Visiting hours will be from 3 to 7 on Monday, July 19, 2021 in St. Raphael Church. Burial immediately following in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Raphael Heartlight Program, the Medford Fire Department, Armstrong Ambulance, the Wounded Warriors Project, or the Care Dimension Hospice Program.