Robert "Bob" Dirkman

Robert “Bob” Dirkman, 91 of Londonderry, NH, formerly of Stoneham, MA passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Born in Winchester, MA on February 18, 1935, he was the son of the late John and Lena (Doucette) Dirkman.

Robert graduated from Stoneham High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Robert went on to work in both industry and academia. He contributed his expertise to several prominent companies, including Digital Equipment Corporation, Raytheon, Avco and Analog Devices. His distinguished career in academia included, Professor of Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College and 20+ years at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where he received the honored title of Professor Emeritus.

Robert married his first wife, Jeanne Stevens (Brewer) and adopted her son Mark Stevens.

Robert later married the love of his life, the late Janice M. (Benthale) Dirkman. They were married for 39 years until her passing in 2008. He was the father of Wendy Borges and Robert Dirkman Jr. and stepfather of Janice Silva, Colleen D’Angelo, Mary Reardon, Beverly Moore, Kathleen Avedisian, Kevin Kille and Leonard Kille. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren as well as his brother Jack Dirkman.

He will also be remembered for his love of classical music, science, photography and sense of humor.

His funeral service will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Saturday at 12 noon. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.