Robert Elliot Starr

CENTERVILLE — Robert Elliot Starr, 89, of Centerville, died Nov. 5, 2008, at the Pavilion in Hyannis, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, and resulting complications.

He was the loving husband of Rhoda (Lovitt) Starr for 54 years.

A native of Providence, R.I., he was the son of the late Samuel and Nancy Starr. He graduated from Brown University in 1940 and also pursued graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. He served five years in World War II, most of which was spent in the Army Air Forces Psychological Services.

After his discharge from the Army, he became a buyer for a large catalog company. After it was taken over, he decided to make his hobby, duplicate bridge, his career. He enjoyed teaching, directing tournaments and running his own bridge club.

He won one National Championship, as well as many New England, Connecticut and Rhode Island Championships. He was Rhode Island's first Life Master and is listed in the Encyclopedia of Bridge.

He loved antiquing, collecting, horse and dog races, and the stock market. He also had a passion for writing poetry to honor special occasions. He was a longtime Rotarian and was a past president (1982-1983) of the Osterville Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, as is his wife, Rhoda.

He loved good food, ice cream and dark chocolate. He most especially loved playing in bridge tournaments with his favorite partner, his son, Sam. His illness precluded him from playing often, but when he did, he was more than competitive.

In addition to his wife, he leaves a sister, Beverly Rosen of Pawtucket, R.I.; a son, Samuel Starr and his wife, Maureen, of Sandwich; a daughter, Pamela Seddon and her friend ,Stephen Gerome, of Walpole; a niece, Susan Hirsch and her husband, John, of Smithfield, R.I.; and beloved grandchildren, Nancy, Mitchell, Hanna-Mari, Craig and Laura.

A service and celebration of his love of life will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m., at the Dan'l Webster Inn, Sandwich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, or to The Dr. Samuel Starr Medical Fellowship, c/o Brown University/Gift Cashier, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1893, Providence, RI, 02912.

Doane, Beal & Ames

508-775-0684