Robert Bruce Desrosiers

DESROSIERS, Robert Bruce. Beloved husband of Gertrude H. (McDonnell) Desrosiers, longtime resident of Belmont and Chatham, passed away February 3, 2026, at the age of 94.

Bruce was born the son of Grace E. Surette and Arthur C. Desrosiers on Feb. 23, 1931, in Revere, MA. Bruce attended the College of the Sacred Heart Boarding School, and after the early death of his mother returned home to attend Boston College High School, graduating in 1948. He then went on to Boston College, graduating in 1952 and earned a master’s degree from Boston University in 1960.

While at BC he was a member of the golf team which went on to win the New England College Intercollegiate Golf Championship in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and attended the Army Language School Presidio of Monterey, CA. He was then stationed on the German border to intercept Russian intelligence during the Korean Conflict.

Returning home he began his teaching career for the town of Wayland. He was also a founder and director of The Reading Clinic in Concord and the Brandon Schools in Petersham and Natick.

Bruce resumed his passion for golf and was a member of Fresh Pond Golf Course where he was a club champion. Later, he was a member at Oakley CC, and a longtime member of Winchester CC. One of his greatest joys was to participate in the Winchester CC Father and Son tournament as a son, father and grandfather.

In 1957 Bruce married Gertrude H. McDonnell, his dearly beloved wife of 69 years. Together they raised five children in the house they built in Belmont: Mary Lisa Sisson (Michael) of Rochester, NY, Elizabeth D. Healy (James) of Needham, Sarah E. Connolly (Joseph) of Belmont, Gretchen H. Quinn (Thomas) of Raleigh, NC and the late Robert B. of Belmont. He adored his eight grandchildren, John, Grace, Madeline, Mary, William, Annie, Jack, and Honora and his great grandchildren Eliza, Harrison, Noah, James and Jack.

Family was his greatest joy, and many happy memories were made on the beaches of Cape Cod and in their family home on Taylor Road.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Carol Ann Mack and son Robert B. Desrosiers. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at 9 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am, both at St. Joseph’s Church, 130 Common St., Belmont MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clergy Trust (Archdiocese of Boston) www.clergytrust.org

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