ROCKPORT: Robert F. “Bob” Tarbox, Sr., 82, formerly of East Gloucester, died Friday evening, July 26, 2013 at the Den-Mar Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Gloucester on June 23, 1931, he was the son of the late Fred Tarbox, Sr. and Gladys (Dickinson) Tarbox. He was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1949.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, following World War II, he served as Military Police and was stationed in Europe as part of the occupational force. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in May of 1954.
Upon his return, he went to work for Murmac Manufacturing Company on Grove Street. In 1963, he began a career that spanned thirty-three years at Gloucester Engineering, having retired in June of 1996.
Bob was involved in numerous organizations including, the Gloucester Lodge No. 892, B.P.O. Elks, where he was a Past Exalted Ruler, the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion, the Cape Ann Chapter No. 1471 Loyal Order of Moose, and the Amvets Post #32 of Gloucester. He also loved to golf and enjoyed the time he spent at the Bass Rocks Golf Club. A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by two sons, Robert F., Jr., husband of Kathy L. (Adams) Tarbox and Dana S. Tarbox, Sr., his former daughter-in-law, Carolyn M. (Grover) Tarbox; two daughters, Michelene Mina and Dawn M. Thomas; his former spouse, Elaine L. (Arsenault) Tarbox; five grandchildren, Tanya (Parisi), wife of Tim Bouchard, Dana S. Tarbox, Jr., Nicole M. Tarbox, Michael R. Tarbox and Sean J. Tarbox; ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Fred Tarbox, Jr.; as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves many dear friends, including his lifelong friends, Don Cook and Louie McGrath. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Margaret “Peg” Langley and Norma Chomac; and brother, Donald Tarbox.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday evening in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 4 – 7 p.m., with a memorial service conducted by the Gloucester Lodge of Elks at 6:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Gloucester Elks Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 86, Gloucester, MA 01930.