Robert “Bobby” Martin Linnell, retired Boston Fire Department, age 70, proudly of South Boston, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends.
Devoted husband of 49 years to Angela Linnell (Provenzano). He was born to Anna and Frank Linnell on January 25, 1954. Loving father to Sean Linnell and his wife Jackie of Marshfield, Kristin Foley and her husband Patrick of South Boston, Jacqueline O’Sullivan and her husband Patrick of Braintree, Anthony Linnell of South Boston and late daughter Angela Linnell. Adoring “Bubba” to his eleven grandchildren, Alexis, Rose, Charlie, George, Lucy, Paddy, Jacqueline, Cormac, Julia, Patrick, and Bobby. Caring brother of Jack Linnell and his late wife Louise of Weymouth, his sister Diane Thomas and her husband Steve of Rockford, Illinois and his sister Maryann Baker and her late husband Louis of Morrill, Maine. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Bobby was a graduate of South Boston High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1972. He became a member of the Boston Fire Department in 1978, serving the City of Boston for nearly 40 years. Bobby was awarded the Boston Fire Departments highest honor in 1986 when he was awarded the John E. Fitzgerald Medal for the Most Meritorious Act. Bobby proudly called Engine 7, Ladder 17, “Broadway” his home until he retired on March 17, 2017; often joking that he was the only person to retire from the BFD on St. Patrick’s Day.
He was known by all as a gentleman and his love for each day was as contagious as his laugh. Bobby found joy in the small things in life. He loved his family and friends to no end, and we all loved him right back.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East 4th Street in South Boston on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations and contributions may be made to:
The Boston Fire Department Relief Fund: Donate Here
OR
Shriner’s Children’s Hospital: Donate Here