Robert W. Sykes

Mr. Robert W. Sykes, age 92, of Saugus, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21st, at the Fitch Home in Melrose. He was the devoted husband of the late Rachel Sykes (Palladino) with whom he shared 65 years of marriage built on loyalty, partnership, and quiet devotion.
Born and raised in East Boston, Robert was the son of the late Walter F. and Angela (Puzo) Sykes. A graduate of Boston University, Class of 1954, he went on to build a successful 30-year career with Sentry Insurance. Colleagues and clients alike knew Robert for his sharp mind, steady composure, and practical approach to problem solving. The same qualities that defined him both personally and professionally.
Before he began his professional career, Robert served his country with honor as a United States Marine during the Korean War. His time in the Marine Corps shaped his sense of self-discipline, self-reliance and remaining calm under pressure, and these traits remained with him throughout his life.
A resident of Saugus for over 50 years, Robert was a man who valued order, tradition, and hard work. He enjoyed sitting in his breezeway, listening to the radio, and reading a wide variety of newspapers to stay abreast of the markets and current events.
Though not one to express affection in grand gestures, Robert's love for his family ran deep and steady. He was a man of principle and practicality, the kind of father and grandfather who offered sound advice, dry humor, and quiet support when it mattered most. His family fondly remembers their annual vacations at the lake in New Hampshire and the occasional cruise, where his methodical planning set the rhythm for the entire trip. A seasoned traveler, Robert appreciated seeing the world, but his greatest satisfaction came from time spent with family and the comfort of familiar places.
Robert will be remembered for his integrity, intelligence, and understated warmth- a man who valued purpose over pretense and whose strength showed most in his consistency. A true one of a kind.
He is survived by his two children, Robert M. Sykes and his wife Annette of Lynn and Lauren Greene and her husband Michael of Saugus: three grandchildren, Michael Greene and his wife Sophia, Christopher Sykes and his wife Heather, and Ashley Sykes. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Desmond and Malcolm and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving sister, Joan Coyne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to staff at the Fitch Home-Melrose for their loving care and devotion to Robert and his family.
Service information
You are invited to attend a funeral mass at Incarnation Church, 429 Upham St., Melrose at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 27th (Please meet at church). Burial, at the family's request, is private.