January 11, 1935 – September 18, 2026
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Francis Fee, Sr., “Bobby” who departed this life on September 18, 2026, at the age of 91, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, following a sudden decline in health. He was born on January 11, 1935, to the late Thomas J., Sr. and Evelyn F. (Stone) Fee in Chelsea, where he would happily spend his entire life and leave an indelible mark on his community.
A proud alumnus of Chelsea High School, Class of 1953, Bobby excelled as an All-American athlete, showcasing his remarkable talents in football, track, and basketball. He furthered his athletic career at Indiana University, Class of 1957, participating in the storied 1954 North-South Shrine College All-Star Game at the Rose Bowl, where he caught the winning touchdown. In the early days of running, he was often seen jogging throughout Chelsea, eventually participating in over 30 marathon races including Boston, NYC, and Las Vegas. His passion for sports transcended his own achievements, and he devoted a large part of his life to coaching: football at U-Mass, Lawrence Central High School, the Lowell Giants, and Chelsea High School; and girl’s track also at CHS – inspiring generations of young athletes who remember him fondly as “Coach Fee.”
In 1957, Bobby united in marriage with Phyllis E. (Haas) Fee, sharing a loving partnership that lasted for 58 years until her passing in 2015. Together, they raised two sons, Robert F., Jr. and Kevin, instilling in them the same spirit of commitment and perseverance that defined his life. Every day since their parting Bobby deeply missed his beloved wife, Phyllis.
Along with his passion for coaching, Bobby’s professional journey included collecting tolls on the Mystic-Tobin Bridge, a short tenure at Massport Maintenance and, for decades, a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, serving the Boston community as the dedicated mailman at the JFK Building, where he was known for his kindness and reliability.
Bobby is remembered dearly by his devoted sons, Kevin J. Fee of Chelsea and Robert F. Fee, Jr., and his wife, Adele of Seabrook, NH. He was a cherished grandfather to Jessica Lyn Sprouse and her husband, Kelly of Stoneham and Matthew Robert Fee of Raymond, NH. As a great-grandfather, he adored Luna Jane and Zara May Sprouse, along with Violet Ann and Henry Cash Sprouse. He is also survived by his beloved siblings, Dorothy Bradley and Evelyn Dahlquist, both of Chelsea, Thomas F. Fee, Jr. of Hopedale and Edward Fee of Saugus, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and countless extended family members and friends who will miss him profoundly.
Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend visiting hours for Robert Francis Fee, Sr. at Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Friday, September 25th from 4. to 7 p,m. Friends will gather in the funeral home on Saturday, September 26th for his funeral gathering at 10:30 a.m. immediately followed by a procession to the Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel, 302 Elm St., Everett for a prayer service at 11:30 a.m., culminating with a graveside committal at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In this time of mourning, let us reflect on the remarkable life of Bobby “Coach” Fee, a man of deep character, unwavering dedication, and boundless love for his family, friends and beloved Chelsea. May he rest in eternal peace.