Dr. Robert Lawrence Shirley, 82, died peacefully Nov. 27. 2017 in Middletown, CT surrounded by beloved family. During the course of his 35 year career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Shirley successfully delivered over 6,500 babies and improved the health of countless women. He enjoyed imagining them all together as a village. After completing his education at Dartmouth College and Harvard Medical School, he served his country as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Hospital in Annapolis, MD for two years. Dr. Shirley published many scholarly papers in peer reviewed journals. He is survived by his wife, Althea H. Shirley, his children, Thomas Shirley, Alison Perrin, John Shirley, Caroline Woodward and nine grandchildren, all of whom he loved severely. He gave us all many gifts, among them a strong work ethic, love for the wilderness, and a drive to surreptitiously help others. He was proud to be a Shirley and will be interred at the Shirley Hill Cemetery in Goffstown, NH. To honor his remembrance donations may be made to support women's health services at the Patten Clinic near Shin Pond in Maine, where he loved the place and the people. If you so choose, please send your donation in memory of Dr. Robert L. Shirley to Katahdin Valley Health Center, Attn: Finance Dept., 529 South Patten Rd, Patten, ME 04765. Please make checks payable to Katahdin Valley Health Center. A memorial service will take place Saturday, December 9th at 11:00 AM, First Congregational Church, 21 Church St, Winchester, MA.

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Published by The Winchester Star from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Shirley

17 Entries

Bill greene

April 15, 2024

Bob was not only a comforting doctor but a good friend to all of us

Helaine Palmer

April 13, 2024

Dr. Shirley saved my life 31 years ago, not only by correctly diagnosing my inflammatory breast cancer but by also strongly advising me that the best course of treatment was an aggressive bone marrow transplant experimental protocol.
I would not be alive today, 31 years later, if I had followed the advice of the doctor with whom I had initially consulted who misdiagnosed me. I am deeply grateful to have met Dr. Shirley.

Jim Besso

May 24, 2022

Bob and I played football together at Warren Junior High. We were both linemen. I will always remember in a game against Weeks Jr. High when he developed a defense of diving between the legs of the opposing offensive lineman and convinced me to do the same. It was very effective!

I e-mailed Bob a couple of times when he was in the hospice and he e-mailed me back. At one of our high school reunions at Brae Burn Country Club I asked Bob if he still had the photo of our Warren Jr. High football team of which I was co-captain, but too poor to buy a copy at the time! He said he did and proceeded to go home and send me a copy which I still have! That was Bob, an unpretentious good guy willing to do the simplest thing for a friend!

bill Greene

November 24, 2021

Bob saw my wife Catherine through the birth of our youngest daughter in 1988. I am spending this Thanksgiving in Vero Beach with that daughter, Whitney E. Greene III, and her husband and their gorgeous 14 month old daughter Aspen Catherine Huntsman. I suspect that he is looking down at all those many people he helped throughout his career of service.

I planted a grove of Aspen trees in that grand- daughter's honor in Lancaster NH last Fall and will think of them as also a tribute to Bob. I knew him for many years, both as a doctor, a friend, and a member by marriage of the Hersey family who lived in Southern New Hampshire,

They all loved the outdoors, trees, and nature. Both Bob and his father-in-law were exemplary products of Dartmouth College.

bill greene

December 21, 2017

I met Bob through his wife Althea's family and enjoyed a few Red Sox games with them in Bob's Fenway Park skyview seats. When my wife was expecting my 7th child in 1988 he took charge and gave us a beautiful daughter and we all cherish his memory.

December 20, 2017

Dr. Shirley was my doctor for a number of years. He was a wonderful human being and I trusted his medical advice 110%. I loved his conservative approach to issues. He had a great sense of humor and I know he will be missed by all that knew him.

Donna Lee

December 11, 2017

It was a deeply personal memorial service for a wonderful man. Our family has known and loved Bob and his family for many, many years.

Elizabeth Dow

December 6, 2017

What a wonderful doctor. He helped us achieve our dream of a family and then delivered our 4 boys! We often talked about our mutual family: his grandmother, Helen, and my great grandmother, Mabel, were sisters. Rest in peace Bob after a life well lived.

Jane Perrin

December 3, 2017

Bob was a graduate of Harvard medical school and had a career serving the medical and surgical needs of women.in his retirement he suffered a severe disability with COURAGE and residual sense of humor. I will miss him forever and love him always.his sister in law Jane

December 3, 2017

My condolences to the family of Bob. Bob was a neighborhood friend through Angier School, Warren Junior High and Newton High. We friends affectionately called him "Meatball"
Mark Walker, 6759 Forest Preserve Ave., Chicago, IL 60634.

Ann Jones

December 3, 2017

The members of the Greater Haverhill Arts Association are saddened by the great loss to the Shirley family. We send our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time and hope that you will find comfort in your many wonderful memories of this special man.

Marjorie Moeling

December 2, 2017

So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

Joanne Gallant

December 2, 2017

33 years ago today Dr Shirley had to cut his bridge game short to come back to the hospital to deliver my first child who was 6 weeks premature. He was the best. Rest In Peace

Theresa OBrien

December 2, 2017

Rest in peace, Dr.Shirley. You had every good quality a physician should have -- intelligence, compassion, and the best sense of humor. I was blessed and there won't be another.

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