Robert D. Watral Sr.

Mr. Robert D. Watral Sr., of Billerica, formerly of Weston passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. He was 95. Bob was born October 16, 1924 in Hooverhurst, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Andrew and Catherine (Miscencik) Watral. He was a graduate of East Tech High School in Cleveland, Ohio and then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Bob was a tail gunner on a B-17 and flew 30 missions over Germany during the War. He married Mary Alice Cain on November 24, 1946. They lived in Wellesley and later New Jersey before making Weston their home in 1974. Bob and Mary Alice divided their time as well at their home in Grantham, New Hampshire. Bob had lived in Billerica for the last several years. His professional career began as a trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange with Goodbody and Co. and then he was a stock broker for Quick & Reilly in Boston for over 20 years before retiring. Bob religiously followed the stock market daily with a passion, talent and genuine interest. An avid golfer he was a member of Fairmont Country Club while living in New Jersey and later at Eastman Golf Links in New Hampshire. In addition to his wife, Mary Alice who died on July 24, 1988 he is predeceased by all his siblings, John, Paul, Edward, Helen, Mary, Margaret, and Dorothy. He leaves his children, Jacqueline W. Weekley (Michael) of Waltham, Jennifer W. Degnan (Thomas) of Norwell and Robert D. Watral Jr. of California; his grandchildren, Elissa C., Olivia A. and Caroline J. Degnan, Fortune F. and Noah L. Watral; his cherished longtime companion, Mary Lou Alves of Billerica; nieces & nephews. Family and friends will honor and remember Robert's life by gathering for a calling hour in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, February 28th from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Julia's Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Weston. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to American Red Cross Massachusetts Regional Headquarters, 101 Station Landing Suite 510, Medford, MA 02155.