Robert J. Lanigan

Robert Joseph Lanigan, a resident of Needham since 1938 and a 30 year Nantucket summer resident, passed away on April 25. Bob attended Needham schools, graduated from Tilton Academy in N.H. and attended Yankton College in S.D. as well as Suffolk University in Boston. He is a WWII veteran, was a member of the 11th Airborne Division, served in Asiatic Pacific Theatre and was a member of the Japan Occupation Force. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, Combat Infantry Badge with four battle stars, and 2 Presidential Unit Citations. He is a former Town of Needham highway superintendent. He has been married 33 years to Doris E. (deVarennes) Barlow of Needham and Nantucket and is the stepfather of Dr. David H. Barlow and his wife Beverly of Nantucket and Boston. He also leaves behind a sister, Geraldine M. Schweitzer and her husband Edward of Wareham, MA, a sister-in-law, Barbara Lanigan of Holbrook, MA and is predeceased by a brother Albert W. Lanigan. He is also survived by nephews and nieces Chris Schweitzer and his spouse, Patty, of Westfield, MA; Ted Schweitzer and his partner Dana White of Glen Allen, VA; and Dr. Beth Schweitzer of Oakland, CA. He has two step-grandchildren, Deneige Barlow Nash (Andrew) of Highlands Ranch, CO and Jeremy C. Barlow (Alison) of Nashville, TN and 4 step-greatgrandchildren, Olivia and Ava Barlow and Harrison and Colby Nash. Mr. Lanigan was a life member of the 11th Airborne Division Association; as well as the VFW, Nantucket chapter; American Legion, Needham Post #14; and the MA Highway and Norfolk, Bristol Middlesex Highway Associations. He was an avid golfer; former board member of the Needham Golf Club and a member of the Wellesley Country Club for over 40 years. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham on Tuesday, April 29th at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St. Bartholomew Church at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment with Military Honors to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Needham, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior's Project, 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Suite 202, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140 or the Needham Community Council 570 Hillside Ave Needham MA 02494.