Robert W. Hyde

Robert Weldon Hyde (Bob), 91, of Natick MA and formerly of Burlington passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in the presence of his devoted wife and loving family.

Born in Somerville on March 20, 1932, he was the oldest child of Arthur M. Hyde and Dorothy R. (Weldon).  He was also the son in law of the late Larry Visco.  He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 39 years, Dorothy E. (Visco) Hyde.

Bob was an excellent athlete playing stellar shortstop at every level leading to coaching and adult league championships. He also played hockey and was in the drama club at Arlington High School.

He was a member of the United States Army Infantry and fought in the Korean War where he received a Combat Infantry Badge; a Korean Service Medal with two (2) Bronze Service Stars; Two (2) o/s Bars; a United Nations Service Medal; and a National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service he worked for N.E. Telephone Company and Clevite, Inc. before joining the Burlington Police Department where he retired after 20 years as a senior sergeant serving the community that he loved. His brother officers and their wives remained his dearest and closest friends for over forty years.

He had a love for travel and cruising.  From cities across Europe to Hawaii to Alaska to Myrtle Beach to Florida to PEI to California and countless other destinations, he loved visiting restaurants around the globe. His favorite spot was the Island of Aruba.  Bob's latest adventure, just a month ago, was to the rocks of Ogunquit, ME where Dottie scooted him up and down Marginal Way! 

Bob’s favorite local eateries were Anthony’s Pier Four, Kelly's Roast Beef, Cataumet Chartroom for baked stuffed lobster, and the Popponesset Raw Bar for lobster rolls and drinks.

He loved collecting coins, cooking breakfast, and playing skat, cribbage, Pac-Man, blackjack at Foxwoods. Golf, Boston sports (except BC), and watching every single sport with a ball on TV were his favorites as well.

His greatest passion were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bob was designated “BEST. GRANDPA. EVER” by his family.  He was happiest when his entire family chanted “#1, #1, #1!” at the annual Hyde Family Christmas party. He and Dottie were always going back and forth to various sporting events, birthdays, visits, and other fun things that involved the people that he cherished most. 

Besides his wife, Bob is survived by his children; Robert Steven Hyde, Scott Hyde, Jeffrey Hyde and his wife Jodi, Brian Hyde and his wife Kristen, Heidi Manago and her husband Domenico, Jason Hartelius and his wife Kristie, and Peter Hartelius and his wife Juliana.

He was known affectionately as Papa/Grandpa to his 22 loving grandchildren, Jeffrey, Daniel, Cameron, Dylan, Max, Brian, Brendan, Kylie, Michael, Jack, Lily, Maximilian, Lochlan, Domenico, Lily, Lucy, Rocco, Andrew, Benjamin, Maddison, Dalia and Harrison. He loved spending time with them and following their school and athletic endeavors. 

Bob is also survived by three great-grandchildren Stella, Harper and Violet; brother-in-law Larry Visco and his wife Laila, and mother-in-law, Victoria Hill, as well and his many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

He was pre-deceased by his beloved son, Marine CPL and Navy SN Wayne Carl Hyde, his parents Arthur and Dorothy Hyde, brother Arthur Hyde, sister Dorothy Duncan, and sister-in-law Linda Viscione.

His Family would like to thank all the various healthcare providers who helped Bob in his final days especially for the care he received from the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital Oncology Department, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Jamaica Plain Veterans Association Hospital, and Beacon Hospice.  They brought him comfort when he needed it most.

A visitation will be held at John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street Natick on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s, 44 E Central St, Natick, Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at Dell Park Cemetery, Natick. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to: The Special Olympics

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