Robert J. Stevens

Waltham - Bob ‘Hammer’ Stevens died in the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Roxbury on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 after a period of failing health. He was 84. Bob’s family expresses their gratitude to the entire staff of the medical center for taking such tender and wonderful care of him. 

Robert J. Stevens was born on July 13, 1940 in Cambridge one of nine children to the late Francis H. and Alma (Doyle) Stevens. He graduated from Belmont High School and served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He married Newton native Marilyn J. Caruso on November 13, 1962 while stationed in Germany and upon return they made Waltham their home.  

Professionally, he loved his work as a towing and recovery operator. He worked at Whites Garage on Felton Street for over 25 years, enjoying retirement in 2008. Previously, he had worked with Waltham Foreign Motors and A. Vanaria & Sons. He loved his work and knew his trade inside and out. Often assigned to the Mass Turnpike his job was often challenging with auto wrecks and other disasters as well as the simpler tows. 

Bob was well read…loved the Boston Herald and the Lowell Sun, Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie books. Versed as well in physics often there was a lesson on levers and fulcrums and always a mystery ride for his grandkids whom he adored. He loved the often-challenging conversation of politics and he kept active with crossword puzzles.

In addition to his beloved wife, Marilyn, he was predeceased by his siblings, Francis Stevens, Mary Cullinane, Richard Cobb-Stevens, Grace Vinciguerra and Judith Erler.

He leaves his children, William M. Stevens (Cindi) of Hudson, Cynthia A. Ciccarelli (Peter) of Chelmsford and Karen M. Blake of Barre; his grandchildren, Lauren Ciccarelli (Michael Green), Peter Ciccarelli and Alyssa Ciccarelli; his siblings, Helen Ahearn of Tennessee, Thomas C. Stevens of Concord, New Hampshire and J. Timothy Stevens (Ursolla) of Quincy; his brother-in-law, Robert Caruso of West Newton; nieces & nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rt. 20) Waltham on Tuesday, December 10th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to New England Center and Home for Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108 or https://nechv.org/