The family of Robert R. Jackson Sr. of Bellingham, MA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped his story.
Some bonds are not loosened by absence.
Robert R. Jackson, 92 years young, of Bellingham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was born on April 21, 1934, in Newton, Massachusetts. He grew up in Framingham, where he developed a lifelong passion for basketball and was a proud letterman in cross country for Framingham High School.
Bob dedicated 25 years of service to General Motors. His career was a testament to his character; starting as a security guard, he worked his way up to become a supervisor in the Traffic Department. Known throughout the plant for his unwavering work ethic, his quick wit, and his natural ability to mentor others, Bob took immense pride in his contributions to GM and the many colleagues he supported along the way.
Beyond his professional life, Bob was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed the challenge of New England's soil, growing the traditional tomatoes and cucumbers while constantly experimenting with plants not typically native to the region. In the 1960s and 70s, he operated a side business repairing televisions. His workbench was a familiar sight to family and friends, always crowded with various bulbs and tubes, as he often provided his technical expertise free of charge to those in need.
Bob's commitment to helping others extended to his civic life. He was a remarkably dedicated blood donor for the American Red Cross, having donated over 50 gallons of blood in his lifetime-a feat that surely saved countless lives. He was also an active member of the Elk's Lodge in Woonsocket, RI, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He was also deeply committed to the Knights of Columbus, serving as a member of both the Framingham and Franklin Councils. Most notably, he had the distinct honor of serving as the first Grand Knight of the Bellingham Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob is survived by his children: Robert Jr. and his wife Amy, his son Darrell, his daughter Bonita, and his youngest son Shawn. He also leaves behind a legacy of six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Jane, and his sister Barbara Dolan.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Bob's life by gathering for visiting hours in the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham on Thursday, May 7th from 4-7PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning in St. Stephen Church, 221 Concord St. Framingham at 10 o'clock. Interment will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery, Framingham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/, an organization that was incredibly close to his heart.
Visitation: 05/07/2026 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home and Cremation Services 53 Beech Street Framingham MA 01702
