1935 - 2025
OBITUARY
Robert “Bob” McPartland was born in Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY on August 7, 1935. He was the youngest of John and Georgina’s eleven children, and adored his parents and each of his siblings. Their family vacations to Beacon and his mother allowing him to play hookey to spend time together at home were among his fondest memories. He spent his childhood working with his siblings, playing ball on the streets of Woodside and Maspeth, and upholding the McPartland name in their neighborhood.
Bob joined the United States Army in 1956. When he was honorably discharged in 1958, he returned to his friends and family with endless stories from his time in Germany, and traveling to France and Italy: using his typing skills, which his mother encouraged him to learn; bringing his athletic prowess to Army softball teams; meeting up with his sister, Betty, in Heidelberg; and enjoying the beer halls of Munich and the Alps of Bavaria with his Army friends.
In November 1959, Bob attended a dance with his friends at Cresthaven. There he met the love of his life, Maureen Shea. They wed at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Woodhaven, Queens, on November 16, 1963. Soon after they made their home in New Hyde Park, where they raised their girls, Maureen and Kathleen.
Bob followed the proud McPartland steamfitting tradition and joined Local Union No. 638, helping to build the skyscrapers of New York City, including the Twin Towers. After decades of service, Bob was elected to leadership in Local Union No. 638 – first as Executive Board and Convention Delegate, and later Vice President.
He took great pride in his time as Vice President, introducing benefits such as the newly legislated 401K and spousal insurance guarantees which thousands of steamfitters and their spouses now enjoy. He cherished the camaraderie of the steamfitters, and had many stories about their time on jobs, commuting together on the Long Island Rail Road, and celebrating union achievements.
Bob deeply loved his wife of 62 years, as well as his daughters and sons-in-law, Bobby and Paul; his five grandchildren, Katelyn and her husband, Tim; Conor; Shannon; Lauren; and Ryan. Family was the center of his world, and their time together at backyard barbecues and holidays, and on vacation at Woodloch Pines and Glenbrook Farms, composed some of his favorite memories and most often-told stories.
Bob lived a life of faith, love, and laughter. He brought joy and jokes to family, friends, his fellow steamfitters, and everyone else who had the fortune to meet him. We will remember him for all that he gave to those in his life, and will celebrate his memory forever.
VISITATION
Tuesday, February 18
2:00 - 4:30 PM & 7:00 - 9:30 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, February 19
10:45 AM
Holy Spirit R.C. Church
500 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY
INTERMENT
Holy Rood Cemetery
111 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Robert's name to Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital