Robert Edward McPhail Sr., 84, of Whitman passed away Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by his four children, after battling a long illness. He is predeceased in death by his beloved wife Frances Ann (Avery) McPhail.
Robert was born on July 11th, 1939 in Weymouth, son to Archibald and Madeline (Hickey) McPhail.
Robert proudly served in the United States Navy and a true Patriot who loved his country, and his military service.
He worked as a machinist for Tri Tech Machine in Canton.
Robert was married to his loving wife, Frances Ann (Avery) McPhail, for 54 years.
Robert was on the board of senior housing for many years and held a state appointment by the Governor of Massachusetts. He spent his time volunteering for Old Colony Hospice delivering Meals on Wheels for 15 years. He also devoted countless hours fundraising for Vietnam Veteran Organizations. He was a commander of the Vietnam Era Post.
Robert marched in many military parades throughout his life. One of his most proud moments was taking part in a Color Guard Ceremony at Gillette Stadium for a Patriot game. He also has fond memories of spending many summers at John’s Pond.
Robert had a love for all Boston sports, but attending his children and grandchildren’s sports events was above all else his proudest moments. Robert and Frances lived for attending their children’s sporting events for many years together.
He was also an avid bowler at Timber Lanes for many years. Robert also enjoyed in his free time playing cribbage, and many nickel and dime poker games with family and friends.
Robert is survived by his children Robert McPhail Jr. and his wife Cheryl McPhail of Pembroke, Karen Hunter and her husband Jerald Hunter of Whitman, Scott McPhail and his partner Charles Westerfield of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Shawn McPhail and his girlfriend Kathy Cookson. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Joshua McPhail and his wife Katie of Pembroke, Amanda McPhail of Pembroke, Jared Hunter of East Bridgewater, and Shawn Hunter of Quincy. As well as, his great grandchildren, Michael, Nathan, Travis, Zachary and Cassidy McPhail. Robert is also survived by his brother Peter McPhail and his wife Sylvia McPhail of West Bridgewater. Robert is survived by his sister Pam Kilgore and her husband Jeff of Abington.
Robert is also predeceased in death by his grandson Brandon McPhail of Pembroke. He is predeceased by three of his sisters, Jean McPhail, Joanne Richardson, and Maureen Pardo. He is predeceased by his brothers Ernest and David McPhail.
Family and friends are invited to attend Robert’s visiting hours Monday, April 15th from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 16th at 10:00 AM in the funeral chapel. A burial will follow at 12:30 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.