Obituary: Robert P. Foley, Jr., Grafton Finance Committee member

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” The words of President Abraham Lincoln are fitting when reflecting on the tragic loss of a truly kind soul in Robert P. “Bob” Foley, Jr. who passed away at home August 15, 2022 following a very unexpected illness.

Bob leaves his adoring wife of 30 years, Ann Marie (Connolly) Foley, his children Robert P. Foley III and Caileen M. Foley, his parents Robert and Machiko Foley, and Gary and Margaret Wendlandt, his siblings Kip Foley and his wife Jodi Cutler, and their children Ben and Sam Foley, Tim Foley and his wife Janice, and their daughter Lauren Foley, Veronica Miller and her husband Peter, and their children Wesley, Bridget, and Christopher, Cindy Sulewski and her husband Brad, and Billy Richards and Sheileen Coggins.

Bob was born November 17, 1966 in Holyoke and his roots were in Southwick and Somers, Connecticut. He met Ann Marie while skiing in Stowe, Vermont where they shared a love of the outdoors in the years that followed, often finding trails and places to hike both there and around his home. He could frequently be seen on the local trails with his beloved canine companion, Tyro. Ann Marie and Bob built a life together in Grafton for many years where Bob was extremely engaged in his community, having served on the Finance Committee and the High School Building Committee. He loved to sail and travel with his family and friends.

Bob loved sports. He played basketball and soccer throughout his childhood, and continued to play in over 30’s leagues in Grafton through his adult years. He coached Robert and Caileen’s youth teams for many years; one of his greatest pleasures was watching his children play sports. He was an accomplished skier who loved his home mountain of Stowe. He also was a dedicated fan of Boston sports teams, especially the Celtics. He appreciated listening to music, especially seeing live music, and loved playing his guitar.

Bob worked as a Mortgage Broker, in solar energy sales and ran his own Lead Abatement business before he recently joined Springdale Education Center working as a teacher for at-risk youth.

All are welcome to gather with Bob’s family and friends to remember him Wednesday August 24th from 3pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Bob Thursday August 25th at 11:00am at St. James Church 89 Main St. S. Grafton, MA 01560. All attending the Funeral Mass are invited to a reception after the service to be held at Highfields Country Club. He will then be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Grafton.

Donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Grafton Land Trust PO Box 114 Grafton, MA 01519, and Springdale Education Center 84 2nd Ave Chicopee, MA 01020.

A Book of Memories to share a special message with his family is available online at: www.RoneyFuneralHome.com