Longtime Endicott Trustee Robert “Bob” Fanning Dies
Longtime Endicott College Trustee Robert “Bob” Fanning, Jr. passed away suddenly on Friday.
A Trustee since 2009, Fanning was a close advisor to President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D., and senior Endicott leadership, especially over the past few years. His extensive experience in management, finance, and operations provided invaluable insights during a time of transformational growth at the College.
“This is a tremendous loss for the Endicott community,” said President DiSalvo. “Bob was more than a Trustee; he was a visionary leader, a mentor, and a friend. We are grateful for the legacy Bob leaves behind, and we will honor his memory by continuing to build upon the foundations he helped establish. Our thoughts are with his family during this time, and we join them in mourning the loss of a truly remarkable man.”
Fanning’s strategic acumen and practical guidance were essential in launching both the Sail Beyond the Shore strategic plan in 2019 and the Spread Your Wings campaign in 2022. He was also the driving force behind the concept of building a new, state-of-the-art facility for nursing and health sciences. Fanning’s deep understanding of institutional development and financial stewardship helped shape key initiatives that have strengthened Endicott’s future. Furthermore, his passion for higher education and commitment to the College was evident in his dedication to enhancing the student experience and supporting world-class academics. He was continually inspired by the vitality of the Endicott campus and the learning that takes place here every day.
Fanning graduated from Michigan State University, where he majored in healthcare administration. He was later admitted to George Washington University but was drafted into the Army Reserve. He underwent basic training at Ft. Polk, La., and received medic training at Ft. Sam Houston.
After training, Fanning worked at Massachusetts General Hospital before pursuing an MBA at Xavier University. He completed his administrative residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and continued there as an administrative assistant to the president. He then moved to Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg, Mass., and later became the COO of Boston Children’s Hospital. In 1980, he assumed the role of President at Beverly Hospital.
During his tenure at Beverly Hospital, Fanning oversaw the purchase of Hunt Hospital, the merger with Addison Gilbert Hospital, and the Seacoast Nursing Home. He was instrumental in building a nursing home on the Beverly campus and an assisted living facility. He retired in 2000 and continued to work in interim management and turnaround roles for troubled healthcare systems.
Fanning’s final professional assignment was as COO of St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York. He fully retired in 2005 as Senior Director of the Huron Consulting Group.
Fanning and his wife, Nancy, were married for more than 50 years. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.
A wake will take place on Friday, August 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly. A funeral will be held on Saturday, August 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Topsfield, Mass., and burial will follow in Boxford, Mass.
In Fanning’s honor, the Endicott College flag has been lowered to half-mast until further notice.