ALDOUS, Robert D. Of Dedham, passed away at home, 100 feet away from the home he was born in, on February 23, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Ellen (Carrasco) Aldous for 55 years, who predeceased him 10 years ago and we rejoice that they are now together. He was the proud father of Marian (Dana) McQuaid, Brian (Mary Myers) Aldous, James Aldous, Virginia (Benjamin) Emerson, Rosemary (Michael Hohmann) Aldous-Hohmann, Anne Marie (Kathy Rainey) Aldous, Andrew (Laurie) Aldous, and Richard (Christine Oswald-Tigerman) Aldous. Bob was also predeceased by his sister Dorothea (Aldous) Claffey.
Bob was the loving grandfather to Paul, Joshua, Christine, Mary Beth (Mimi), Thomas, and Robert McQuaid, Kristen Aldous-Traynor, Emma Tigerman, Gabriel Emerson, Margaret and Eileen Myers-Aldous, and Zander Aldous. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Bob took great pleasure in public service; in the Town of Dedham he served on the Planning Board for over 10 years, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the original Charter Committee, numerous town committees and boards as well as a Town Meeting Member representing Riverdale for many years. His love of the Town of Dedham and knowledge of its zoning laws made him a great resource for the entire town. His dedication and love of Dedham will not be forgotten.
He was a World War II Army Veteran, member of the American Legion Post 18, the USS Jacob Jones VFW Post 2017, The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves, and The Retired Men’s Club. He was a former member of the Riverdale Improvement Association, the Hocheflieger Ski Club, and the Eastern Inter Club Ski League. He was very proud to have been co-chair of the 1954 Olympic Trials at Cannon Mountain.
Bob loved to teach, teaching his children to ski in the backyard. He made sure that all of his children knew how to change a tire, check and refill the fluids in their cars, and use basic hand tools. He taught everyone how to tell stories while sitting around the dinner table. Cross word puzzles from the Globe on Sunday morning gave him a chance to share his love of words. Math skills were reinforced by games of Cribbage and Poker.
Bob believed in the values of hard work, community service and family. And those who love him most will celebrate his life by sharing in a serving of green ice cream.
A wake will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., DEDHAM, on Friday, March 1 from 4-8pm. The funeral service will be at 11:30 AM Saturday March 2 at St. Paul’s Church, 59 Church St., Dedham. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment to follow at Brookdale Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Dedham Food Pantry, 600 Washington St., Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.