Known as Sgt. Foley, Robert N. Foley Sr., 85, Has Died

Robert N. Foley Sr., 85, passed away Saturday Dec. 22, 2012 at his home in Ashland, surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of Elizabeth (Ryan) Foley for 57 years.

Born in Framingham, the son of Neil L. Foley and Marion V. (Mahoney) Foley, he attended Framingham schools, graduated from Framingham High School in 1944 and was a Framingham resident until a few years ago when he moved to Ashland to be closer to his children. 

Foley was a Framingham Police Officer for 38 years, retiring in 1992 as a Captain, traffic and safety officer.

He is probably best remembered as "Sgt. Foley" by three generations of Framingham school children.

He was a former member of the MA Safety Officers and a life member of Framingham Lodge of Elks #1264. He served as an M. P. in the U.S. Army at the end of WW II.

In addition to his wife he is survived by four children: Robert N. Foley Jr. and his wife Nancy of Northbridge, Bryan J. Foley and his wife Barbara of Framingham, Jane M Foley, and Susan E. Cavallo and her husband Edward P. all of Ashland. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Robert N. Foley III (NYPD) of Yonkers, New York, Meaghan E. Foley and Peter J.Foley of Northbridge, Ryan J. and Andrew L. Foley of Framingham, Kimberly J. Brewer of Orlando, FL, Craig R. Brewer of North Attleboro and Taryn E. Cavallo of Ashland and his dog Belle. He was also the brother of the late Mary Faherty of Framingham, according to the obituary.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 28 at 9 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church, off Route 135, in Ashland.

Calling hours are today, Dec. 27 from 3-7 p.m. at Matarese Funeral Home 325 Main St. in Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Natick Visiting Nurse Association, Attn. Development Office, 209 West Main Street, Natick  01760 - or "I"M TRYING" LLC. ( for cancer research) 84 B Old Post Road, Kittery, Maine 03904.