Published in the March 2, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Robert F. “Hap” Hennigan, 85, of Melrose, beloved son of Thomas and Catherine (Ryan) Hennigan, died at the Winchester Hospital on Feb. 25, 2018.
Hap was born and raised in Charlestown and moved to Melrose at the age of 13. He attended Melrose schools and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Hap resided in Melrose for most of his life and worked as a truck driver for the Teamster’s Local #25 for 43 years before his retirement in 1995. He was a longtime member of the Melrose Elks Club, where he played Santa every year and the Teamster’s Retiree Club. Hap enjoyed hockey, football, basketball, and was a member of the Melrose Elks bowling league. He loved to travel with his wife Claire to Aruba, Bermuda, Florida and St. Kitts. Hap’s children and grandchildren were the most important part of his life.
He was the beloved husband of A. Claire Hennigan for 51 years. Loving father of Kathleen Churchill and her husband Jeffrey of Ipswich and Deborah St. Clair of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Matthew, Allan and Mairead. Great-grandfather of Zoey. Caring brother of Anna Donovan of Melrose, Mary Connors of Charlestown, William Hennigan of Ipswich and the late Thomas Hennigan. Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, March 2, from 4-8 p.m. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Saturday, March 3, at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose at 10 a.m Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Korean War Army Veteran. For directions & to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
