Robert P. Fletcher 81, of Canton, MA and Derry, NH, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2022 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston after a struggle with pneumonia.
Bob was born October 22, 1940 in Milton, MA to the late Elburt P. and Martha (Hanson) Fletcher. He is survived by his Beloved Mary Earls; daughter Kristin R. Terpko and her husband Christopher J. Terpko of Shrewsbury, MA; son Adam P. Fletcher and his wife Deborah Simmons Fletcher of Hudson, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Aaron R. Terpko, Celia G. Fletcher, Grace M. Fletcher and Ethan E. Fletcher; his brother Steven P. Fletcher and his husband Michael L. Lubetkin of Tulum, Mexico; and former spouse, Michele Conway of Northborough, MA.
Bob graduated from Milton High School in 1958. A great all-around athlete, he played football, baseball and basketball…where he was affectionately known as “Burly” Bob Fletcher. After high school graduation he attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst before joining the U. S. Army, Army Intelligence, and was stationed in South Boston. Bob was a member of the East Congregational Church in Milton and was very active in the Young Adult program. After high school he volunteered his time as a camp counselor at the Geneva Point Center in Moultonborough, NH. Bob moved to Worcester, MA in 1966 with his wife and worked as a Civilian Investigator for the U. S. Army. He relocated to Westborough, MA in January 1969 and began work as an investigator with the Internal Revenue Service. Despite working full time and starting a family he was able to complete his college education with a BS from Northeastern University in 1974.
Bob was brash, bold and had a booming voice, which matched his sturdy 6’ 3” frame. But he was a gentle giant. He loved to tell stories, such as the time he inadvertently backed up and wiped out the gas pump at the Westborough Mobil Station! He was Chairman of the 1976 Ball Committee in Westborough, President of the Westborough Jaycee chapter, and worked on local political campaigns. Bob moved to Canton in 1978 and was a founding member of the Canton Newcomers Club. He played many years for Sica AC slow pitch softball team in Milton and Brilliance Auto Over 30 men’s softball team in Canton. He was a former Treasurer of the Canton Homeowners Association, race official for the Canton 10K road race, and long-time member of the Canton Town Club. After the IRS, Bob finished his career with the GSA Office of Inspector General as a Special Agent Fraud Investigator, retiring in 1997.
His dad Elburt (Elbie) played professional baseball for the Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates, so it was natural that Bob was fiercely competitive and loved sports. Rather, he LOVED sports…whether that be competing, attending or watching. He completed more than ten marathons across the country, including Boston multiple times…sometimes cracking the 4-hour mark with a desperate sprint across the finish line. He loved to golf and enjoyed his many ski trips to Europe with his close friends. But more than anything, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family…especially at the family’s lake house in New Hampshire. He relished those times, as did they. The thousands of boat rides around the lake, camaraderie with his beloved neighbors and just enjoying that day’s beverage of choice.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton on Sunday March 20th from 3:00 to 6:00. Funeral service at the East Congregational Church 610 Adams St. Milton on Monday March 21st at 10:00. Burial will be at Milton Cemetery, Milton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the East Congregational Church in Milton, MA.