Robert J. O’Hayre, Jr., 72

Robert (Bobby) J. O’Hayre, Jr., of Cohasset and Hull, won’t be down for breakfast after succumbing to a brief illness.

Mr. O’Hayre was born on July 8, 1949, at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Dorchester, and spent his early childhood years in Holbrook. His father, Robert Sr., and mother Genevieve (Knight), moved Mr. O’Hayre and his four sisters to Cohasset, where he would spend his formative years causing mischief and making many lifelong friends, graduating from Cohasset High School in 1967. Later, Mr. O’Hayre’s children would enjoy their childhoods in the same house where their father grew up.

Mr. O’Hayre wore many hats in his too-brief but remarkable life. Professionally, he was a pilot, working as a fish spotter. He worked on boats as well, captaining the “Teddy and Mary,” a commercial swordfish vessel named for his sisters. Most recently, Mr. O’Hayre was a salesman in the seafood packaging industry, working at Packaging Products Corporation for more than three decades.

Personally, Mr. O’Hayre was a father, grandfather, golfer, jokester, storyteller, and friend. His loved ones will most miss his quick wit and his unwavering support. Mr. O’Hayre was a very courageous and strong man who believed in confronting his problems head on. Consequently, he became an important figure and leader in Alcoholics Anonymous, where he was well appreciated for all that he did and gave to the program, and where he also appreciated the many gifts the program gave to him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. O’Hayre was predeceased by his sisters and earliest partners in crime, Elizabeth, Mary, and Jane. Among those who will miss Mr. O’Hayre are his wife, Dayle Dickinson of Hull, and his children, Patrick of Weymouth and Meredith of Hanover, as well as their partners, Jess and Steve. “Grampy” to Timothy of Hull and Frances and Brenna of Hanover, there was no role that amused Mr. O’Hayre more than that of grandfather.

He also leaves behind his beloved and oft-teased sister Kathleen and her husband, Gene, of Texas, his sisters and brothers-in-law, including Joe Hamilton of Cohasset, and many nieces and nephews who were never too old for a noogie. Of course, Mr. O’Hayre will be remembered fondly by his many and varied friends.

Visitation was held at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home in Cohasset. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, where Mr. O’Hayre spent many Thanksgiving days delivering meals to those in need. Mr. O’Hayre would also ask that you keep an eye out for those who need help and offer a hand when you can.

Visit www.mcnamara-sparrell.com for guestbook.