Robert Bruce Innes
Dad was born in Methuen, Massachusetts on August 2, 1937. He was raised on Haggetts Pond Road in Andover by his parents, Andrew and Grace Innes. He spent his entire life in Andover. In his early years, he worked summer jobs on the farms of West Andover. In the early 1950’s, He attended Phillips Academy in Andover for his High School years. During this time, he met his future bride, Barbara, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, where his mother was the organist. Mom and Dad attended many formal dates and school dances together in the 1950’s and fell in love. They married on August 10, 1958. Mom and Dad celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage in 2023.
During the early years of their marriage, Dad enrolled in the ROTC program earning an Industrial engineering degree from Carnegie Tech in 1959.
After graduation, Dad served in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant Combat Engineer in Europe during the early 1960’s. After returning home, Mom and Dad built a house in Andover in 1965 where he and Mom raised their 3 sons where the family resides today.
He was a wonderful father and made many special memories with his family. Our vacations included driving up the Atlantic coast, and canoeing and swimming in state parks in New Hampshire.
Dad enjoyed his retirement years with his family. They took many drives thru New England and across the country. They visited many places in between including Duane’s family in Washington State.
Dad also enjoyed walking with Kevin very much. Starting in 2006 thru last year, these walking buddies greeted everyone in town that drove by. Each day they made sure you got a big waive, a “Good Morning” Greeting and a smile.
Dad was a shining example of how to be the best husband, father, and neighbor. He had a friendly attitude towards everyone he met. He was very generous in providing for his family and never hesitated to provide a lending hand to anyone in need. Dad was a regular blood donor at the American Red Cross.
Dad returned to be with God on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sisters. Dad is survived by his loving wife Barbara, three sons - Robert Jr, Kevin and Duane, daughter-in-law Carmen, two grandchildren, Kristin (Bonnie) and James (Arielle), and one great granddaughter Aspen.
We would like to thank all the staff at Andover Manor for all their love, care, and support of our dear Dad. Your love and kindness has been very much appreciated.
A graveside service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 6th at Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover MA. Reception to follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.