Robert W. Sinclaire

Robert W. "Bob" Sinclaire, age 96, passed away peacefully in the Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Massachusetts on Saturday, May 11, 2019.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 15, 1923, he was the son of the late William and Mary Jane (Law) Sinclaire.  He was raised in Norwood, where he attended Norwood Public Schools. As a respected member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), he looked forward to spending time with his fellow members at the Norwood Elks Lodge. Bob left his education to take a job at the Hingham Shipyard, before enlisting in the United States Army.  Once he completed basic training, Bob shipped out to Detroit, where he trained on the Army’s aircraft motors at the Buick Automotive Plant.  After the United States entered into World War II, Bob was assigned to the Army Air Corps, 440th Troop Carrier Group, 98th Squadron, serving as the crew chief on board a C- 47 Troop Carrier, stationed in England.  He and his crew were an integral part of D-Day, when the Allied Forces stormed the Beach at Normandy, France.  Upon his honorable discharge, Bob returned to his hometown of Norwood, where he quickly found work with Fred Anderson’s Gas Station and Oil Company near Davis Avenue in Norwood.

 

Bob met his soon to be wife, Henriette G. Brodeur, while in New Hampshire with his friends.  He asked her out, however she initially turned him down, telling him she had to take care of her elderly aunt.  However, the following weekend, Bob spotted her walking down Tremont Street in Boston on her way to a Red Sox game, catching her in the fib.  He called her at home, once more asking her out again, to which she agreed.  Bob was accepted with open arms into Henriette’s family and the two were married on November 22, 1947 in St. Louis DeGonzague Church in Nashua, New Hampshire.  The young couple made their home together in Norwood, where Bob bought Fred Anderson’s, renaming it as the Sinclaire Oil Company.  Bob and Henriette settled in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1952, and Bob grew his company, adding in HVAC services and running five oil trucks, rebranding the company, Sinclaire Enterprises.  He was delighted to welcome his sons, and later his grandsons, into the business, ensuring his legacy would continue for generations to come.  As a dedicated businessman, Bob continued to work well into his eighties and was still named the president of Sinclaire Enterprises. 

 

When Bob wasn’t hard at work, he loved traveling around the United States.  He enjoyed catching up with his Army friends at various reunions and loved spending time at his home in New Hampshire on Lake Winnisquam, where he loved touring the lake on his pontoon boat with one of his favorite cigars.  Back at home, he loved being in the kitchen, creating wonderful meals for all to enjoy. Most of all, Bob treasured the time spent surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who made him so proud.  He will be remembered for his generous nature, always ready to lend anyone a hand, without ever asking for something in return.

 

Beloved husband of Henriette G. (Brodeur) Sinclaire.

Loving father of Roberta Giuliano and her husband, Arthur, of Foxborough, William R. Sinclaire and his wife, Susan, of Walpole, John R. Sinclaire and his wife, Karen, of Foxborough, Anne-Marie Sinclaire of Foxborough, and Dennis R. Sinclaire and his wife, Brenda, of Mansfield.

Cherished grandfather of 18 and great grandfather of 15.

Brother of the late Esther Corcoran, William Sinclaire, and Miriam Howland.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bob’s Life Celebration on Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 4 to 8 PM and Friday, May 17, 2019 from 9:30 to 10 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Timothy’s Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either: Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Boys Town P.O. Box 5000, Boys Town, NE 68010.