Robert L. Shirley ’57

Robert L. Shirley ’57 died peacefully November 27, 2017, in Middletown, Connecticut, surrounded by his beloved family. He grew up in Waban, Massachusetts, and graduated from Hebron Academy. Known as “Meats” as a brother in Phi Gamma Delta, he was one of the originators of beer pong. He was a premed, went on to Harvard Medical School, then served his country as a lieutenant commander at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Annapolis, Maryland, for two years. During the course of his 35-year career in obstetrics and gynecology, Bob successfully delivered more than 6,500 babies. He was a noted breast cancer surgeon who served as director of the Boston Hospital for Women’s breast clinic. He taught risk factors and the importance of proper and careful examination. He conducted research and published many scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals. A highlight of each year was his rustic existence in the north Maine woods each August. Fly fishing the lakes and streams, building things and climbing the local mountains supplemented swimming, boating, berry picking and other “camping out” activities. He enjoyed cutting and splitting cordwood on his family woodlot in New Hampshire. In retirement he completed many hours and days working for Habitat For Humanity. Bob was active for Dartmouth on the DMS Alumni Council and four reunion committees and as an Alumni Fund volunteer and local club officer. He is survived by his wife, Althea, four children and nine grandchildren.