Robert Dennis Toland

Robert Dennis Toland of Pembroke, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia Toland (Shea), and their four children: Ann Taylor of Hanover, Massachusetts; Colleen Meade and her husband Joseph Meade of Hanson, Massachusetts; Bridget Baker and her husband Robert Baker of Whitman, Massachusetts; and Brian Toland and his fiancée Maureen O'Shea of Nanuet, New York. He was a proud and devoted "Papa" to ten grandchildren: Kyleigh Taylor, Shannon Taylor, Morgan Taylor, Caci Taylor, Bryan Meade, Lauryn Meade, Isabelle Baker, Bobby Baker, Maggie Toland, and Sean Toland.

He is also survived by his siblings: Father Eugene Toland of North Eastham, John Toland of Kingston, Massachusetts, Linda Vogel of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Susan Mullin of Quincy, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Toland of Kingston, Massachusetts.

Robert grew up in Charlestown, Massachusetts and was the son of the late Dennis and Anne Toland (McKinnon). He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and later went on to become a dedicated member of the Boston Fire Department. He often shared fond memories and stories from his years riding the "Huntington Ave Express" and later serving on Ladder 6 in Peabody Square.

Throughout his life, Robert enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He tried his hand at a variety of musical instruments-some more successfully than others-but the harmonica and the chanter were among his favorites. He was always happy to entertain family and friends with an Irish rebel song or two.

Fitness was also an important part of Robert's life. For many years, he could be seen daily walking or running his five-mile loop around Pembroke. He also enjoyed kayaking, cross-country skiing, and gardening, and he took great pride in maintaining a beautifully landscaped yard. An avid reader, Robert always encouraged a love of reading in his children and grandchildren.

Robert also cherished the time he and Patricia spent at their cabin in Vermont. Above all else, family was at the center of his life. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren-whether vacationing down the Cape, visiting Marshfield, camping, or simply gathering together at their home by the pool. These moments brought him great joy and will remain treasured memories for those who loved him.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a special thank you to Beacon Hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care during this difficult time.

Visiting hours will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Hanover, Massachusetts, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Hanover, Massachusetts.