Robert L. Muniz Obituary
Robert "Bob" Muniz, 94, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025. Born on March 7, 1931, he lived his entire life in his beloved hometown of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Bob began his journey on Portuguese Hill and after the third grade he moved to Mt. Pleasant Avenue where he lived in three different houses during the remainder of his life.
Bob graduated from Gloucester High School in 1949. After being declined a job at a local bank, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served until February 1954, after which he utilized the benefits of the G.I. Bill to enroll at the College of Holy Cross. Bob was the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in accounting. Holy Cross would remain a significant part of his life as all four of his sons, a son-in-law, and four granddaughters would later attend the college. Bob later attended Harvard Business School.
In 1959, while at Good Harbor Beach, Bob met his beloved wife, Jean Abrahamson, a nursing student at Addison Gilbert Hospital. They married in July of 1960 and welcomed six children into their family. Bob began his professional career as an auditor for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, where he worked for five years, before becoming the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at United Shoe Corporation in Beverly. He later joined BankGloucester, where he worked his way through the ranks, ultimately serving as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for more than 25 years. Many regarded Bob as a modern-day George Bailey.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Bob was deeply committed to his community. He volunteered his time and efforts to numerous causes, including serving as President of the Gloucester Fraternity Club, Treasurer of Bass Rocks Golf Club, and as an active member of St. Peter's Church in East Gloucester. Bob was known for his thoughtful and compassionate advice, always making himself available to help friends, family, and even strangers in need.
While Bob was dedicated to his career and volunteer work, his true passion lay with his family. The greatest joy of his life was watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and succeed in academics, sports, careers and life.
Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Jean, and their children: Paul Muniz and his wife Debra; Matthew Muniz and his wife Karen; Robert Colbert, husband of the late Sandra Muniz Colbert; Mark Muniz and his wife Sandra; Marianne Cronin and her husband Denis; Stephen Muniz and his wife Jean. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Colbert and her husband Alex Hristov; Abigail Colbert and her husband Michael Kondik; Anna Colbert; Meghan Muniz; Michael Muniz and his wife Olivia; Ryan Muniz; Gabrielle Muniz and her fiancé Riley Fearon; Robert G. Muniz; Jennifer O'Leary; Christopher Shields and his wife Alexandra Shields; Conor Cronin; Cassandra Cronin; John Cronin; Carly Cronin; Caroline Muniz; Cameron Muniz; and Caitlyn Muniz. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren: Noah Fogarty, Delilah O'Leary, CJ Shields, Colton Shields, Emma Shields and Jane Hristov. Bob is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Sandra Colbert, as well as his parents, William McKinley Muniz and Winifred Harnish Muniz, and his nine siblings: William Muniz Jr., Ralph Muniz, Kenneth Muniz, Donald Muniz, Melvin Muniz, Ruth Douglas, Marilyn Powell, Shirley Muniz, and James Muniz.
Bob's legacy of love, service, and dedication to family will be cherished by all who knew him.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1st at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. The burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery. There are no visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org.
Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
Keep Robert's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.
