Robert G. Conlin Sr., of Milton, died June 26, 2022 after his big heart surrendered reluctantly to time. He was 94 years young when he drew his last breath at his daughter’s house in Nahant, with his wife of 64 years, Jean (Duggan), of Milton and his daughters, Laura and Julie, by his side.

He was the beloved father of Lisa Lashaway of Montrose, California, Robert Conlin Jr. of Wiscasset, Maine, Laura Poulin of Nahant, Richard Conlin of East Bridgewater, Julie Conlin of Hopkinton, Mary Jane Walker of Milton and Dina Conlin of Newton, and the much-loved father-in-law of Dave Diana, John Walker, Dottie Melchionno and Dave Newman.

Bob was born on May 18, 1928 to Charles and Florence Conlin in Hyde Park, and was the youngest of six children, all of whom predeceased him. After graduating from high school, Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a gunner’s mate on the battleship, USS Wisconsin, during the Korean War. After his discharge, he attended night school at Boston College and earned his BS degree while working full time at the Boston Globe.

He and Jean married in 1957 and settled in Weymouth, where they raised their seven children. Later, they moved to South Boston and Dorchester, before setting roots at the Unquity House outside Mattapan Square in Milton, where he lived up to his death.

He worked in the advertising sales department for the Boston Globe for 12 years, and later for Raytheon, before he embarked on a career as a business owner, owning and operating a sandwich shop, a bicycle and ice skate shop, a word processing training school and an antique business.

Along the way he also authored a book with his wife Jean, and more recently spent his days studying finance, enrolling in classes into his 90’s to master the art of options and other complicated financial tools. He was a serial entrepreneur long before it was considered en vogue, and he remained a voracious reader and learner to his last day.

In addition to working hard all his life and being a supportive father and grandfather, Bob abided by the bedrock principles of his Catholic faith to lend a hand to people in need. He was the longest-serving volunteer in the kitchen at St. Francis House homeless shelter in downtown Boston, serving meals every Wednesday for almost 25 years until the pandemic brought that to a halt. He was also instrumental in starting the food pantry at St. Monica’s parish in South Boston, where he was a congregant for many years.

Bob loved his family and wide circle of friends, Boston sports teams, a glass of bourbon, his ubiquitous scally caps, the daily Boston Globe, reading historical biographies, and always, a spirited debate with anyone who would be willing and brave enough to engage. He was an active supporter of Democratic Party candidates in local and national politics for decades. His strong opinions on politics, social issues, economic inequality and general buffoonery were tempered by his humor and wit. You might lose an argument with him, but you’d win a friend for taking part.

In addition to his wife and children, Bob is survived by 14 grandchildren who meant the world to him: Rebecca Conlin of Hanson; Jake, Max and Charlie Walker of Milton; Charlotte Diana of Hopkinton; Sam, Rachel and Ben Newman of Newton; and Liam, Nolan, Patrick, Nora, Iris and Desmond Conlin of Boothbay, Maine. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and friends far and wide.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved grandson, Nick Lashaway, and his brother Charles Conlin, and sisters, Florence Rogers, Marge Baker, Anna Benshimol and Alice Stackpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Visitation Parish (St. Mary of the Hills Church), 29 St. Mary’s Road, Milton, Saturday, July 2 at 10:00 AM. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Friday 4-8 PM.

In recognition of his instincts to support the underdog, if you’d like to donate in Bob’s name, please support the Boston Rescue Mission www.brm.org , which runs the lesser known Kingston House homeless shelter in Boston.