Robert A. Gregory

DANVERS - Mr. Robert Aurel Gregory, 88, of Danvers, beloved husband of Carmen Adele (Villa) Gregory, passed away peacefully on May 30th, 2026, at his home.

Born in Boston on August 17, 1937, he was the son of the late George Joseph and Doris Mae (Froude) Gregory. Robert was raised and educated in Peabody. As a young man, he loved playing pond hockey with his neighborhood friends and competed on organized hockey teams as well; later becoming a lifelong Boston Bruins fan, attending games at the old Boston Garden with his brother-in-law, Eddie. He was a graduate of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, where he was proudly voted "best dressed" as his class superlative. A title he upheld throughout his entire life. He always took great pride in his appearance.

Following high school, Robert entered the military and served his country as an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Marine Corps, completing his service in 1959.

Fresh from his service to his country, Bob took a job with a vending company, his route including the Charlestown Navy Yard, where, as fate would have it, Carmen was employed. It was there that they met, beginning a beautiful life together filled with family, love, and deep friendship. They were married at St. Catherine's Church in Somerville, and made their home in Danvers for the next 64 years.

Born with a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Bob followed in the footsteps of his father, George, who had been an executive in the Lynn, Massachusetts leather shoe industry and later a principal owner of the Leada Baby Shoe Company. In 1976, Robert co-founded the long-standing North Shore remodeling company Glen-Adam Inc. alongside his brother-in-law, Reigh “John” MacKinnon. They aptly named the company after their two eldest sons, Glen MacKinnon and Adam Gregory. Bob later built upon this business model and brand as a sole proprietor, operating successfully until his retirement in 2008. His hardworking nature was a true source of pride; he always enjoyed taking his family for drives throughout the North Shore, pointing out various homes where they had done projects. He anchored his company on the values of integrity and fairness, always doing right by his loyal North Shore customers as well as his valued employees.

When he wasn't working, Bob, known affectionately as Bobby or Bob to family, and "Bobo" to his golfing buddies - was an avid competitive golfer. He was a long-time member of both the Ferncroft Country Club in Danvers, MA, and the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, MA - landing two hole-in-one’s as well as winning many tournaments and accolades. Well known for his camaraderie, honesty, and consistent play, Bob organized popular Wednesday and Friday weekly group outings for the members. He also coordinated many memorable golf trips to Las Vegas, Florida, and South Carolina, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Bob’s love for the game began in childhood, when he and his friends would sometimes sneak onto local courses just to get a few holes in. He treasured the many neighborhood friendships he developed over the years and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Above all else, family was the absolute center of Bob's life. He enjoyed gatherings and holiday dinners at his wife's family home at Gilson Terrace in Somerville. As a devoted husband and father, he supported his wife and children in all of their activities and life events.

However, it was in his role as "Grampy Bob" where he truly shined. He was a constant, loving presence in his grandchildren's lives, never missing a milestone. From the time they were small enough to sit on his lap up into their adulthood, they were always on his mind and forever in his heart. He cherished their time eating ice-cream and desserts together, a swim in his pool and a good laugh. He was incredibly proud of all their accomplishments. When not visiting he kept in direct communication with them, through texting and phone calls; Grampy Bob had a special way of making birthdays memorable. Beyond sending his birthday wishes by text, he was also known to sing the entire “Happy Birthday” song in a voicemail, a tradition that became a treasured reminder of his warmth, humor and affection.

To his nieces and nephews, “Uncle Bob” was a trusted friend and mentor who loved engaging in conversations about life, sports, business, and real estate, or sharing anecdotes about past fishing trips. His warm connection to family even crossed the pond. He enjoyed a warm relationship with the Tomlinson family of Liverpool, England. Every member of his large, loving, and supportive family looked forward to spending time with him.

Robert was also very active in his faith community at the Holy Trinity United Methodist Church in Danvers, generously donating his time and resources, and serving on several committees, including the finance committee.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carmen Adele (Villa) Gregory, his four children, Adam Robert Gregory, Matthew David Gregory of South Carolina, Rebecca Jane (Gregory) Tomlinson and her husband, John of Rhode Island, Ethan John Gregory, and his wife Crystal (Robertson) of New Hampshire. Robert also leaves behind three amazing grandchildren that he adored with great pride: Isabella Rose Tomlinson, Luke Gregory Tomlinson, and Lily Carmen Tomlinson of Rhode Island, his older sister, Shirley Ann MacKinnon of Georgia, his cousin Audrey Hamel (Poor) and her husband Wayne Hamel of New Hampshire in addition to his sister-in-law, Wilhelmine Villa and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was the brother-in-law of the late Reigh “John” MacKinnon, Edward Villa, Gilda Lee, and Anita and Louis Shaw. He also leaves behind his little dog Mabel, who he loved and who was his constant companion.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be privately held. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte. 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Operation Troop Support, 16 Trinity St., Danvers, MA 01923 or to Honor Flight, New England, P.O. Box 16287, Hooksett, NH, 03106. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com