ROBERT B. "BOB" MACPHAIL

1940 - 2025

MacPHAIL, Robert B. "Bob" Robert B. MacPhail, former Newton resident MacPHAIL, Robert B. of Henderson, NV, died May 18, 2025 at the age of 85. Born in Boston, MA, on February 17, 1940, to Beatrice (O'Keefe) and Robert B. MacPhail. Bob grew up in Chestnut Hill. His earlier education was at the Fessenden School in Newton and he later attended Noble and Greenough in Dedham, graduating in 1958. Bob earned a degree in Russian Studies at Dartmouth College in 1962 and then went on to receive a business degree from Bentley University. Bob's youth was filled with adventures and antics with his neighborhood friends. Dubbed as the "Chestnut Hill Gang," Bob and friends reveled in their times spent together, all of which would continue to deepen and evolve into lifelong bonds of friendships and be filled with much support and affection. Bob dedicated his professional life to public service, retiring from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue after a distinguished career. He held several leadership roles, including Deputy Chief of Bureau for Multistate Audit Operations and Chief of the Appeals and Review Bureau, where his integrity, intellect, and dedication earned him deep respect. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Fran MacPhail. His first marriage was to Signa (Norstrand), who passed in 1995. Over the course of his marriages, Bob welcomed five stepchildren and their spouses into his life and heart: Leslie and John Drew, Eric Moran, Kerry Anne Kilkelly, Michael Kilkelly and Andrea McCarty, Patrick and Janie Kilkelly. Bob was a steady, nurturing guiding presence and source of support and great love in all his family's lives over the years. Bob found tremendous joy in his role as a grandfather and his love shone bright in his devotion to his thirteen grandchildren, Alex (Heath) Weatherbee, Jack Drew, Jason Rodriguez, Aidan Ezpeleta, Gaelan Ezpeleta, Owen Kilkelly, Seamus Kilkelly, Leo Robert Kilkelly, Emmet Kilkelly, Ragan Kilkelly, Avery Chamberlain, Reese Chamberlain, and Miles Chamberlain, each of which held a very special place in his heart. Whether cheering them on from the sidelines, sharing in lively historic discussions, or challenging them to ping pong (a game he took seriously and often won), Bob was a devoted and loving presence in their lives. Bob's passions were as expansive as his heart. He had a lifelong love for thoroughbred horse racing, college hockey and football, old movies, and was a dedicated fan of the New York City Ballet. Summers often found him and Fran in Saratoga Springs, where his appreciation for ballet performances seamlessly blended with the excitement of the racetrack. Bob was also one who could not say no to a good dish of ice cream! An avid traveler and meticulous planner, Bob delighted in seeing the world. He loved the planning of the trips as much as he loved the trips themselves. In his earlier years, he and Fran took adventurous bicycle trips with friends through Sweden (Gotland), New Zealand, and Austria along the Danube. Later travels included several trips to Italy, cruising to South America, Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, along with two meaningful journeys to Scotland, including a memorable visit to the Outer Hebrides in the cold, damp fall. Among these many experiences, one cruise in part stood out – The "COVID Cruise," which brought Bob and Fran together with a small-close knit group of passengers and a captain who safely guided them all home during uncertain times. Bob's life was marked by intellect, warmth, curiosity, humor, and a deep devotion to the people he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, connection, and countless memories that will be cherished by his family and all who knew him. He was a lovely gentleman. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held in September.

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