Robert H. Powers

1930 - 2020

Robert H. Powers, 90

1930 - 2020

Lynn, MA - Surrounded by his children, Bob Powers, peacefully passed away on Christmas Day 2020 at the age of ninety.

Born in 1930, Bob was the 4th son of the late Joseph and Sarah (Egan) Powers. He was a longtime resident of Lynn and a proud graduate of its public schools. A member of the Lynn English High School Class of 1947, he was a talented scholar and gifted athlete. In 2015 Bob was inducted into the LEHS Bulldog's Hall of Fame.

First in his family to pursue higher education, Bob attended Salem State College, graduating in 1951. He began his career in the Lynn Public Schools in elementary education, a deliberate career choice unusual for a man in those days. His career was interrupted by the Korean War draft, and he was accepted with a commission into Officer Candidate School for the US Navy. Choosing to marry the woman he loved instead, he resigned the commission, and completed his service teaching Naval History in Bainbridge, Md., returning with his young wife to Lynn to start his career and family.

He had met the love of his life, Helen Reynolds, a recent nursing graduate, through a Breed Elementary school colleague, and they married in 1952. Working full-time with a new family, with some high school coaching gigs on the side, Bob earned his master's in education at Boston College, becoming a devoted Eagles fan in the process. He won his first principalship at the O'Keefe School, followed by service across the city at Brickett School, and then at his beloved Callahan School, which he led from 1966 through 1992. He had become a specialist in Adult Education and spent many years teaching adult English learners in the evening school program.

Bob was an unfailingly kind and compassionate man blessed with classic Irish wit, mixed with more than a touch of blarney. Affectionately known as "The Mayor" by his family, Bob could strike up a conversation with anyone, young or old, and walk away with a new best friend. No one enjoyed a bowl of ice-cream, crossword puzzle or home-cooked meal more than Bob. Always gracious, at the end of every meal, be it a lobster, a burger, or 'shrimp as big as your fist', Bob would proclaim that as being "the best meal ever".

Sports remained a mainstay throughout Bob's life. His pickup basketball games continued well into his adult years. Bob was a devoted Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics fan, but college sports were his true love, most especially his Boston College Eagles.

Family was the centerpiece of Bob's life. He was the proud father of Brian of San Francisco, Rev. Thomas Powers of Woburn (formerly of Lynnfield), Mary of Lynn, and Ann Powers Gallagher of Reading. His greatest loves were his four grandchildren, Natalia Powers-Riggs, Aidan Powers-Riggs, Caleb Gallagher and Catherine Gallagher. Loving father-in-law to Richard Gallagher Jr, Katherine Riggs and Mary Campagnolo. He leaves behind his youngest brother David L. Powers of Peabody and his sisters in law, Susanne Reynolds of Peabody, Marjorie Reynolds of Salem and Joan Powers of Peabody. He will be sorely missed by his many nieces and nephews and the countless friends fortunate to have spent time in his presence. Rest in peace Dad.

Service Information: Due to the current pandemic protocols, there will be no wake or funeral Mass. Burial will be private. At a later date, the family will be having a remembrance celebrating his life for family and friends. To leave a condolence message to the Powers family, please visit, Lynch-Cantillon.com