Robert "Bob" Lynch Jr., age 75, passed away on Friday, Jan 24, after a battle with Alzheimers's Disease.

Bob was born in Everett and grew up in Melrose. He attended Melrose schools and graduated from Melrose High School in 1967, where he played football and baseball. After high school, he attended Boston University where he played baseball and received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and graduated in 1971. After school, he started working with troubled youths through the Department of Youth Services (DYS). In 1980 he returned to Boston University and received his Masters degree in Social Education in 1982. He became a Juvenile Probation Officer working for the Essex County Juvenile Court in the Probation Department. He was beloved by his colleagues and was deeply committed to guiding, supporting, and providing resources to youth at risk and their families. During Bob's tenure he proudly developed positive and lasting relationships with many of the kids he served, often keeping in touch and attending special events and graduation ceremonies. He retired in 2015. In 2022 he was bestowed the Newton Universal Legendary Award for his dedication and commitment to the youths he served.

Bob was a devoted father and loved spending time with his son Cameron. Anyone that knows Bob is aware of his pride in his Irish heritage and everyone remembers his loving gesture for calling you on your birthday every year. He was an avid reader and a regular at the Salem YMCA. He loved all types of music and started working security at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston in addition to working other shows around Boston and eventually became the House Manager for Professional Shows at Berklee for 15 years. He was a diehard Boston sports fan and enjoyed playing in many local baseball and basketball leagues and coordinated a men's over 30 basketball league and enjoyed playing golf with buddies whenever he had the chance.

After retirement he took a part time job working security at the Peabody Essex Museum, which he loved, until 2020.

For many years he lived in Salem and when he retired, he moved to Ipswich with his partner, Ellen, where they loved being outdoors, walking through the Trustees Properties, birdwatching at the Audubon Society, spending time at Crane Beach, socializing with friends and attending many concerts.

Bob was the loving partner of Ellen Gawlocki of Ipswich. Devoted father of Cameron Lynch of Salem. Son of the late Martha (Squires) and Robert Lynch Sr. Brother of Stephen Lynch and his wife Kathy of Danvers and Maureen Noyes and her husband Bill of VT. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM, followed by a celebration of life at the Knights of Columbus, 23 W. Foster St, Melrose.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob's name to the Alzheimer's Association alz.org