August 28, 1924 – April 3, 2024
Robert B. Rex, a resident of Reading for over 70 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Reading on April 3, 2024. He was 99 years of age. Robert was born in Revere, Massachusetts on August 28, 1924, the son of the late Donald and Rosella (Struthers) Rex.
Bob grew up in Winthrop, MA and graduated from Winthrop High School. He went on to attend Massachusetts Trade Shop Schools associated with Wentworth Institute of Technology.
In 1943 he enlisted in the Marine Corp and served in the South Pacific during World War II, where he was a communications expert. He witnessed the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima through binoculars.
After completing his service in 1945, he worked at a Boston insurance company where he met his wife, Evelyn MacLeod. They shared a mutual love of hockey and frequently attended games at the old Boston Garden. They married in 1948, bought a house and moved from Revere to Reading in 1952, where they raised their four children.
Years later he was employed as a research machinist by Harvard University in the Department of Applied Physics where he worked with professors and graduate students. He loved his job and the people he worked with and was well liked and respected.
Growing up by the ocean, Bob learned to sail when he was 8 years old. He was passionate about sailing and sailboat racing. He was a member of the Quannapowit Yacht Club in Wakefield, MA and rose to serve as Commodore for many years. He raced in various regattas in Marblehead, MA and in Rockland, ME. As a member of the Friendship Sloop Society he served as chairman of the race committee and as a race tactician.
Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church in Reading, MA where he was baptized as an adult. He attended services regularly and served as an usher.
Bob was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn (MacLeod) Rex. He was the devoted father of Jean Gaffney and her husband Robert of Derry, NH, Robyn Whittier and her husband David of North Reading, Gail Rex of Reading and Robert Rex of Wakefield. He was the loving grandfather of Emily Whittier-Duran of North Reading, Mark Andrick of Wakefield and Paul Andrick of Brighton. He was the loving great grandfather of David Duran and Rex and Tatum Andrick.
A graveside service will be held for Robert at Wood End Cemetery, Franklin St. in Reading on Thursday, April 25 at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. There will be a Celebration of Life after the service at the Danversport Yacht Club, River View Room, 161 Elliott St., Danvers MA.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Maine Community Foundation Friendship Sloop Scholarship Fund c/o Maine Community Foundation 245 Main St. Ellsworth, ME 04605. FREN should be written in the memo line of the check
