Robert Andrew Dixon

Robert Andrew Dixon, age 84, passed away on April 05, 2024, at Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Quincy, Massachusetts on April 25, 1939, he was the son of the late William and Alice (Nickerson) Dixon. Robert grew up close to Wollaston Beach in North Quincy, a town he would always love. After his mother’s untimely passing, his loving aunts assisted his father and brother in raising him, ensuring that he always felt motherly love. 

Bob attended North Quincy High school and was a three-year starter on both the baseball and football teams, later being inducted into their football hall of fame. After his graduation in 1957, Bob headed to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst on a football and baseball scholarship. Early in his education at UMass, he contracted a staph infection that would not only end his college career, but also come close to taking his life when the infection spread through his body and he became septic. But there was a silver lining to this terrible event, which was meeting a nursing student named Peg. Several weeks later when being discharged from the hospital, he asked her on a date. The rest was history when Bob married the love of his life, Margaret "Peg" Elizabeth Kelliher, on June 3, 1962, in Saint John's Church in Canton, Massachusetts. The pair made their married home in Norwood, had their first child, and soon moved to Halifax after building a house there in 1964. 

During this time, Bob was working for AT&T as a technician and Peg finished training and became an RN. Bob and Peg would welcome four more children in four short years. Bob was excited to be a father, and his family provided the inspiration to strive for remarkable things. He wanted to give his children every opportunity possible and worked hard to provide for them. In 1969, Bob and his family moved to East Walpole, Massachusetts, a wonderful community to raise his children in. He encouraged his children to participate in athletics and other activities they enjoyed. He and Peg always had an open door for any of their friends to stop by and visit. 

Bob would grow his career with AT&T, working as a supervisor and then a manager. He remained with the company as it went through various transitions. Bob was highly relied upon in his additional assignment on the Divestiture team when AT&T was forced to divest from its regional companies in 1984. He was well liked and respected, making many friends and helping his coworkers to advance their careers. Before his retirement in 1989, Robert rose within the company to the position of Operations Manager, overseeing important business centers in Boston, Framingham, and Providence, Rhode Island. Though he retired, Robert still maintained a close connection with the friends he had made throughout his career. He regularly met with his former colleagues on Thursdays for bowling and dinner at the Twin Oaks in Rhode Island. 

In 1995, Bob and Peg moved to Charlestown, Rhode Island. The couple had previously bought the house in 1987 as a vacation home but were ready to live there full time. Robert loved the coast of Rhode Island. He would often speak of how he enjoyed his 6-mile walk along the streets and beaches. 

Distance and their desire to be closer to their family brought Bob and Peg back to Massachusetts with the couple settling in Plainville, Massachusetts. Family was incredibly important to Bob and he did not want to miss any moments he could have with his children and grandchildren. Robert was a devoted grandfather, attending every baseball or football game and never missing an important event. It was important for him to keep up to date on what their grandkids were interested in and what they were doing, so that he could ensure he was a part of their lives. 

In his free time, Robert enjoyed golfing and savoring a delicious meal. He loved to hit the links, whether here in Massachusetts, or down in New Smyrna Beach, where he and Peg would winter at the Pelican Condos. Bob was thrilled to schedule tee time with his friends or his family, which included not only his sons, but also his son-in-law and his grandchildren. When not enjoying a round of 18 holes, Bob could be found perusing the menu of a favorite restaurant. One of his favorite date night activities was taking Peg out for a delicious dinner, like he did on their first date in Boston so many years ago. He regularly would get together with his old pals Al, Jim, and Ralph from his days at North Quincy High at their favorite Quincy restaurant, the BayPointe Inn. Whether it was hosting barbeques, getting together for a lunch out on the town, or enjoying a Thanksgiving turkey and dressing during his favorite holiday, Bob always looked forward to sharing a meal with those he cared about. 

Bob will be remembered as a compassionate man who worked hard to instill a sense of hard work, responsibility, and understanding in his children. He will be remembered for his warmth and kindness. He will be missed. 

Beloved husband of Margaret "Peg" Elizabeth (Kelliher) Dixon 

Loving father of Mark R. Dixon, and his wife Lynne, of Wrentham, Diane E. Fernald, and her husband Scott, of Plymouth, Sheila A. Dixon of Wrentham, David M. Dixon, and his wife Janet, of Mendon, and Patricia M. Dixon of Plainville. 

Cherished grandfather of Patrick M. Dixon and his wife Elizabeth, Jeffrey A. Dixon, Michael R. Dixon and his wife Marissa, and Ellen R. Dixon. 

Brother of the late William Dixon, and best friend of 75 years to the Late Ralph Frazier.

Also survived by Luther, his loyal grandpooch. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Robert's Life Celebration on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. 

A Funeral Home Service will be held on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or by visiting https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org