Robert Winsor Fogerty

 Robert Winsor Fogerty of Needham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Carole (Pfeiffer).

Bob was born in Boston on May 1, 1937 to Eugene W. and Dorothy (Owen) Fogerty. Raised in Roslindale, Bob was a 1955 graduate of Boston Technical High School and attended East Coast Aero Tech. After retiring from a career as a diesel mechanic for the MBTA, he started his own Splinters Home Repair business. Bob was a 50-year member of the Freemasons.

A lover of all things mechanical, it was no surprise that Bob and several of his closest buddies became leaders of the En Regle Hot Rod Club where they raced modified hot rods throughout New England. A real-life American Graffiti! That love of rebuilding cars was later shared with his son Doug when the two spent many hours modifying Doug’s 1970 Monte Carlo.

 For several years Bob helped design and build Girl Scout floats for the Needham July 4th Parade, including a float of the Old North Church with a unique telescoping steeple that could be lowered to avoid telephone lines. He was also involved with a live steam train club that met at the Masonic Home in Charlton, Mass. At the annual Grand Master’s Fair, the trains could be seen making their way through a village of to-scale buildings he helped construct. Of course, Bob was always willing to drive the engine that pulled wagons full of young and old passengers. Bob continued as an active member when the railroad was eventually moved to the Waushakum Live Steam property in Holliston, Mass.

All the while, there was camping; starting with a simple pop-up camper when their kids were young and culminating in a 32-ft. fifth-wheel trailer he and Carole took all over North America. One of his proudest accomplishments was a 3-month trip to Alaska. Other highlights included the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival, Rose Bowl Parade and the Calgary Stampede. Bob and Carole traveled to 49 of the 50 states, skipping Hawaii only because he couldn’t drive there! They also enjoyed wintering at Rambler’s Rest in Venice, Florida for many years. More than anything, Bob loved to share tales of his travels and, even to the end, could recall the most minute details from the smallest towns along their route.

Bob will be remembered most for his easy-going personality, his passion for travel, his ability to tell a great story and his love for family and friends. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter Karen (Paul) Clifford of Hopkinton, Mass., and son Douglas (Deborah) Fogerty of Billerica, Mass. He also leaves four grandchildren: Daniel and Allison Clifford and Matthew and Mark Fogerty. Bob was predeceased by his brother Kenneth H. Fogerty of New Hampshire.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Falls and Hospice who cared for Bob at the end of his life.

Visiting hours will be at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 4 to 7 pm, concluding with a service at 7pm. Bob will be laid to rest at Needham Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.

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