NAHANT — Former Selectman Robert J. McIlveen, 94, died at home on Dec. 18.
McIlveen served on the Board of Selectmen from 1994 to 1997. Throughout his tenure, he served alongside Selectmen Richard Lombard, Robert Forman, and Michael Manning.
“It was a pleasure serving with Bob,” said Lombard. “He genuinely loved the town of Nahant.”
Current Selectman Mark Cullinan admired McIlveen for his work during those four years.
“Bob was extremely knowledgeable and a tremendous selectman for the town,” Cullinan said.
During his time as selectman, he helped to navigate Nahant through some difficult financial times. In the early- to mid-1990s, the town was recovering from a financial deficit, in need of major capital infrastructure investments, and absorbing the impacts of the Education Reform Act of 1993. He also served during the effort to save Valley Road School.
“His heart was for the town,” said current Town Administrator Antonio Barletta.
Josh Antrim, who is also currently a selectman, knew McIlveen outside of his work for Nahant. He described him as a genuinely good guy who truly loved the town.
“Obviously he meant a lot to the town,” said Antrim. “Everyone appreciates the contribution that he made to the town. Not just as a selectman but in other ways.”
In his honor, the Town of Nahant will fly the American Flag at half-mast and display mourning buntings on the Town Hall for the entire week.
