Robert W. Newell

Robert William Newell most recently of Braintree, formerly of Weymouth, passed peacefully on January 6, 2017 at the age of 94. Predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years and light of his life Mary Mildred “Millie” (Floren) to whom he was devoted. Son of the late Anna M. (Kelly) and Robert H. Newell. The eldest of eight children, he was predeceased by all of his siblings. Cherished father of daughter Debra and son Greg; treasured father-in-law to Debra’s husband Tom. Loving grandfather to Nicholas, Mathew and Ashley and affectionate great grandfather. Caring brother and brother-in-law; beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. Mr. Newell had an impressive 30-year career in the United States Navy and retired as a Master Chief. He lived quite an amazing life but was a very humble man and never boastful of his accomplishments. As a result, many were unaware that he served President Truman as a communications officer aboard the Presidential yacht, the U.S.S. Williamsburg, handling confidential communications directly with the President while he was aboard or at the summer White House in Key West, FL. Later in his Navy career, his duties entailed activities at the White House during President Kennedy’s administration, serving aboard one of the Navy’s destroyers involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as being in charge of several major Naval communications centers. Following his Navy career, Mr. Newell held important positions at the General Dynamics shipyard in Quincy. He made everyone who knew him a better person for it and will be sadly missed by all. Funeral services were private and under the direction of the C.C. Shepherd Funeral Home in South Weymouth. He was interred at the Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree next to his loving wife Millie. In remembrance, donations may be made in the memory of Robert William and Mary Mildred Newell to the Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Dr., Rockland, MA 02370-1055.