Robert E. Savonen, age 84, of Braintree, died, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born in Quincy, to the late Adiel and Annie (Murphy) Savonen. He was raised and educated in Quincy, and was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 1957. He lived in Braintree for the last sixty years.

Bob was proud to have served in the Army National Guard of Massachusetts during the 1950s and 1960s.

He worked as an automobile mechanic at the former Meda’s Auto Service on Water Street in Quincy and later as a truck driver for many different trucking companies, including Bill’s Haulage of Quincy and Garvey Transport, Inc. of Holbrook. He had been retired for many years.

Bob and his late wife, Dotty, enjoyed camping in New Hampshire for many years and also greatly enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On any nice day you would likely find him spending time in his back yard gardening and relaxing, surrounded by all of the birds and chipmunks eating out of the palm of his hand. He was also known to either have pockets full of treats for any dogs that he might come across, or more recently, pockets full of candies which he gave out to anyone, and everyone, who he interacted with during his day.

Beloved husband of the late Dorothy L. “Dotty” (Meda) Savonen.

Devoted father of Donna L. O’Shea and her husband Daniel of South Easton, Robert J. Savonen of Braintree, Janis M. Kirby and her husband Paul of Holbrook, and James W. Savonen of Plymouth.

Loving grandfather of Jennifer O’Shea, Michael O’Shea and his wife Samantha, Ryan O’Shea and his wife Michaela, Paul Kirby and his wife Tina, Nicole Kirby, Christopher Kirby, and Jamie Kirby. He also leaves behind his cherished great grandchildren, Kieran, Kaden, and Kole Kirby, Aiden, Keira, Declan, and Grady O’Shea.

Brother of Sandra A. Meda of Braintree, the late William D. Savonen, and the late Arthur H. Savonen.

At the request of the family, inurnment, with military honors, was conducted privately at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.