Robert Nelson "Bob" Burlingame

COTUIT -- Robert Nelson ""Bob"" Burlingame, 84, passed away at Falmouth Hospital on July 30, 2025, after a brief illness.

He was the son of the late Harold and Dale (Louise) Burlingame. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rosemary Fahey-Burlingame of Cotuit; his daughter, Jodi Burlingame, and her loyal canine companion Rotten of Madison, VA; his son, Dr. Todd Burlingame, his wife Marlyse, and their children Gwen and Nicholas of Jenkintown, PA; his daughter, Caitlan Burlingame-Anderson, husband Kurt Anderson, and their children Crosby and Cade of Greenfield, MA; Jodi and Todd's brother, Matthew Ellis and his wife Toya of Gainesville, FL; and a large cherished extended family of Faheys. He was the brother of Bruce and Carol Burlingame of Jupiter, FL, Mark Burlingame of Hyannis, and the late Bonnie Rice and Brian Burlingame.

Bob was born August 30, 1940, in Hyannis and grew up in the Hyannis Park neighborhood of West Yarmouth, in view of Great Island in Lewis Bay.

He was a member of the first combined graduation class at Dennis-Yarmouth High School in 1958 and attended Florida State University along with his best childhood friend, Herb Roberts.

Bob began his professional career as an insurance adjuster with the General Adjustment Bureau in New Bedford, where he built lasting friendships, particularly with John Carter. That camaraderie continued at Friedline & Carter Adjustment in Hyannis, where Bob, John, and longtime friend Dick Roberts earned legendary status at Cummaquid Golf Club and beyond for golfing weekly, year-round, for several decades – undeterred by snow, wind, or rain.

In 1982, Bob founded the Burlingame Insurance Agency, a business he successfully ran until his retirement in 2006.

A gifted, self-taught builder and craftsman, Bob built the family's home and outbuildings, restored their 1958 Crosby Striper, installed the family pool (which he proudly built but rarely used), and meticulously constructed a wooden Haven 12½ Daysailer. His intellectual curiosity spanned a wide range of subjects-from archaeology and history to quantum theory and astrophysics-all of which reflected his inquisitive mind and deep love of learning.

Bob also had an extraordinary sense of humor and a deep appreciation for language. His favorite quotes came from much-loved works like To Kill a Mockingbird, Seinfeld, and Moby Dick.

He and Rose shared a deep love for the sea, spending summers aboard their Cape Dory flybridge cruiser and often anchoring off Sampsons Island with family. Together, they created a home known for its warmth, generosity, and a steady stream of beloved four-legged companions.

A private burial will be held. Friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 21, at 4 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit.