January 28, 1928 – November 4, 2025
Robert W. Carden, a resident of Reading, MA, for 36 years, formerly of Arlington and Belmont, passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 97. Robert was born in Evanston, IL, on January 28, 1928, the son of the late William and Irene (Raycraft) Carden. He grew up in Bloomington, IL, and graduated from University High School in Normal, IL.
Shortly after graduating high school, Robert enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army, Robert was certified a Rifle M1 Expert, he was Honorably discharged as a Private First Class. After his discharge from the Army, Robert attended several universities, including Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois State University, University of Chicago (where he received his PhD), and the University of Vermont (where he was a Lecturer in History).
For 28 years, Robert was a professor at Curry College in Milton, MA. Dr. Carden, Professor of Politics and History, was always nattily attired and taught widely and well at Curry in courses as diverse as English History, American Civilization, Current Economic Problems, and the Social Sciences Seminar. While at Curry, Robert served a number of stints as both Coordinator of Politics and History and Chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences.
Robert enjoyed music- especially traditional jazz- and was a member of the Reading Symphony and Boston Symphony. He loved books and read daily. He was a member of NARFE and the American Legion in Reading.
Robert was the beloved husband of the late Marie L. (Putman) Carden. Devoted father of John F. Carden and his wife Melissa of Hampton, NH and Paul T. Carden of Attleboro, MA and the late Alice M. (Carden) and her husband Gerry Lang of Harwich, MA. Loving uncle of Deborah (Putman) Cullity of Westwood, MA and great-uncle to Justin Cullity of Brockton, MA and the cherished brother of the late John R. Carden of Chapel Hill, NC.
A visitation will be held for Robert at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading, MA on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 1pm, followed by a short service at the funeral home at 2PM. Burial with military honors will follow in Bloomington, IL at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Legion in memory of Robert at Mylegion.org
