Robert “Bob” Keith Fothergill, late Everett resident, Bob passed peacefully Monday evening, January 11, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He fought a courageous battle with cancer all the way to the end. He was 64 years of age. Born and raised in Chelsea, Bob is predeceased by his parents, former Chelsea Fire Chief, Herbert C. Fothergill, Sr. and Leona W. (Holland) Fothergill.
Bob attended Chelsea Public Schools and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1975. After high school, Bob enlisted in the USMC Reserves. He fulfilled his obligation to the Reserves on July 14, 1982, when he was discharged. Bob was a retired court officer for the Lynn Trial Courts. He dedicated 23 years of service to the MA Trial Courts before retiring in 2019. Bob was actively involved in Everett youth sports for 10 years. He was proud to help coach his son’s little league team. His greatest passion was spending time with his kids, his family, his granddaughter, and his great-nieces and nephews. Bob had a heart larger than life. He always placed his family and friends ahead of himself. Bob made so many friends along his journey in life from his earl days coaching to colleagues at Lynn District Court. He will be forever missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.
Bob is the husband of the late Patricia M. (McLellan) Tholen Fothergill, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage before her passing in 2017. He is the devoted father of USMC Steven J. Tholen and his wife Andrea of CA, Erin M. Merrill, and her husband Matthew of North Andover. Beloved brother of Retired Chelsea Fire Chief, Chuck Fothergill and his wife Patricia of Tewksbury, and the late Arlene J. Fothergill. Brother-in-law of Bert Garrity of Woburn. Also lovingly survived by 1 granddaughter, Hailey Merrill of North Andover, soon to be born granddaughter, Emma Tholen of CA, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Bob’s Memorial Mass was celebrated on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Our Lady of Grace Church in Chelsea. Committal is private. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea. We encourage family and friends to visit http://www.carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.