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ROBERT WREN DORAN

ROBERT DORAN Obituary

Name: Memorial service for ROBERT WREN DORAN
Start: 2025-10-24T10:00:00.000Z
Location: Church of the Redeemer

DORAN, Robert Wren Aged 92, passed away on October 13, 2025, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Born on May 8, 1933, Robert led a distinguished life marked by leadership in business and commitment to philanthropy. Educated at Philips Andover, Yale University, and Harvard Business School, Robert set a strong foundation for his future. He began his career at Thorndike, Doran, Paine & Lewis, eventually becoming President and CEO. Following a merger in 1966, he held similar leadership positions at Wellington Management Co., where he remained until his retirement in 1999. Robert was deeply passionate and soft-spoken, dedicating much of his time and resources to philanthropic causes, particularly the Museum of Fine Arts and the Esplanade Project. His love for the outdoors was evident in his early years of fishing and playing tennis, and later, golf became a significant part of his life. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn "Happy" Doran; his son, David; daughter, Eleanor; daughter-in-law, Trish; and grandchildren, Meghan and Robert. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur, and sister Carol. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lee, Dale, and George. A Memorial Service will be held at the Church of the Redeemer, in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, on October 24, 2025, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Esplanade Project, a cause close to Robert's heart.

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Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19, 2025.

Memorial Events
for ROBERT DORAN

Oct

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Church of the Redeemer

379 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT DORAN

19 Entries

Paula Robison

Yesterday

What a bright and generous and shining light he was! It was my joy to live down the hill from Bob and Happy for many years, to put on my boots and walk across the fields to them, flute in hands, and serenade them...now Bob is hearing Heavenly music....and his light is shining through to his beloved Happy and to all of us whose lives he touched.

Walter M Cabot

Planted Trees

Walter M Cabot

Yesterday

We have lost a great leader, colleague ,teacher and good friend
Bob you inspired us all and your memory will be with us always
Love, Walter, Dorsey

Wrenn Reed

October 23, 2025

I am heartbroken at the loss of "Uncle" Bob. He was a loving, attentive and generous godfather, the only godfather I had. I had him in my life for almost 70 years and I loved him very much. He was so inspirational, admirable and giving. His death is a huge loss. He was so kind. I will miss him deeply and will continue to try to live by his example.
Wrenn Reed

E. Linda Poras

October 22, 2025

Bob Doran was one of those rare and special people who radiated a generosity of spirit that traveled far and wide. I count myself as one of the fortunate people who were blessed with the opportunity to get to know this kind and compassionate human being. I will always be grateful to Bob for inviting me into his and Happy's brilliant world of art collecting. My heart goes out to Happy, David, Eleanor and family. Bob will be greatly missed!

Helen DuBois

October 21, 2025

Bob Doran was one fine man. He was a thoughtful and effective leader who led with grace. I was fortunate to serve on the Yale University Art Gallery board which he chaired at a pivotal time. My condolences to Happy and their family. His was a life well spent.

Andrew Flake

October 20, 2025

Bob will always remain one of the most important people in my life. He was a wonderful caring person who always lead by example. His judgment and timing on all things was impeccable. He always took the high road in life and we all benefited from his grace. My love to Happy, David and Eleanor.

joan snyder

October 20, 2025

I´m so saddened to hear this news. Thanks Bob for ALL you´ve done for me and so many others...believing in me, us, from way back to the recent present. Rest in a well earned Peace. Condolences to Happy and family and friends. Joan Snyder

Bessie Speers

October 18, 2025

Bob was a visionary whose gentle spirit touched us all. He loved family, beauty, and great stories. We will miss him dearly.

Bessie Speers

Laura Allen

October 18, 2025

Bob was an incredible leader - tough, smart, and fair. He had a commanding presence, and I was fortunate to have joined Wellington during his leadership. I learned everything from Bob: do your homework, look for the companies with unique growth potential and importantly, the client always comes first.

Arthur Dion

October 17, 2025

I echo what Victoria said yesterday. Bob and Happy were and are joyful in their experience of art and furniture making and grateful for the blossoming of creativity in our lives. They set high standard of respect for the artists and makers we enjoy. Bob's passage will be as safe, easy, and confident as his response to the experiences of his life.

Kenny Abrams

October 17, 2025

Bob was such a generous man and had such a generous soul. He was so friendly and welcoming. Maybe the friendliest CEO who ever lived. He was just so pleasant and positive energy to be around. He made you believe anything was possible. And with him it usually was

Neil Medugno - Partner at Wellington Management Company

October 16, 2025

The world lost a great man and we need more people like Bob. He was the best leader I ever worked for or with. Smart, kind and humanistic what a role model for all. He was a big influence on my life and I became a better person because of him. I consider myself blessed and so lucky to have spent time with him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Paul Mecray

October 16, 2025

Bob was a wonderful leader and an inspiration for my career at Wellington. He leaves us all with many fond memories

Victoria Munroe

October 16, 2025

Bob and Steve Paine encouraged me as a young gallery owner to develop a program centered on artists from Boston in the 1980's and 90's. Their serious intellectual interest in and loyal support for local artists buoyed the citiy's art scene and fostered wonderful galleries on Newbury Street. Bob's kind, good will and love of art inspired so many of us. Victoria Munroe

Cliff Castle

October 16, 2025

One of the leaders of the Yale Class of 1955. He will be missed by us all and fondly remembered. He had a great impact on many people.

Michael Van Valkenburgh

October 16, 2025

Sending love to Happy, David and Eleanor.
Michael Van Valkenburgh

George Lewis, Jr.

October 15, 2025

We lost a great man.

Thoughts and prayers.

George Lewis, Jr.

Kathryn Crane Doran

October 15, 2025

Uncle Bobby had the remarkable ability to give his full attention in one-on-one conversations in the midst of bustling, joyful holiday family gatherings, making one feel they were all that mattered right then. Grateful for his presence in those moments. Treasured.

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