Robert M. Shay

Robert Michael "Bob" Shay, age 78, of Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away on October 17, 2025, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington.
Born in Somerville, MA on July 19, 1947, Robert was one of eleven children of the late John L. and Kathleen R. Shay, who raised their eleven children on Lebanon Street in Melrose, MA. He attended Melrose High School, Tufts University, and the Massachusetts College of Art, and later earned a Master's Degree from Antioch University.
Robert spent many years as an art teacher in the Melrose Public Schools, sharing his appreciation for beauty and creativity with his students. He also worked as a real estate agent in Melrose, where his sense of design and eye for detail served him well.
It was through his art and decorating that Robert brought warmth, humor, and creativity to those around him. He had a natural gift for transforming spaces, both inside and out, into reflections of personality and style. He particularly enjoyed decorating his homes during the holidays and for many years hosted memorable Christmas "open house" gatherings that brought family and friends together in a special way.
Robert loved music-especially the work of Freddie Mercury and Queen-and he expressed himself best through art, design, and laughter shared with family.
He was the father of Christopher Shay and his wife Jennifer of Arlington, MA; Michael Shay and his wife Marguerite of Los Angeles, CA; and Joseph Shay and his wife Brittany of Malden, MA. He is also survived by his former spouse, Kathy Conn; his grandchildren James, Ryker, Mila, and Garrett Shay; his siblings James Shay, Rosemary Beckford, Daniel Shay, David Shay, Thomas Shay, and Gerald Shay; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings John Shay, Kathy Shay, Charles Shay, and (twin brother) Richard Shay.
Robert was Roman Catholic and lived a life marked by creativity and an appreciation for beauty in all its forms. His legacy will live on in the art he created, the spaces he transformed, and the memories he leaves behind.
Family and friends will gather at Gately Funeral Home in Melrose for calling hours on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 9:30-10:30AM. Following the calling hours a Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM at St. Mary's Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose. Burial to follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 185 Lake St., Peabody. Flowers are welcome as a meaningful way to honor Robert's memory.