Robert L. Dea Sr.

DEA, Robert L. Sr. Beloved husband of Caroline Sawyer Dea for 58 years, passed away suddenly at home in Fort Myers Beach, FL, on Feb. 28th, 2010. He is survived by his wife, children Robert Jr., Thomas, Angela, and Douglas; grandchildren Kia, Kianna, and Madeleine; and brothers Thomas and Allen (he was predeceased by his twin brother Roger). Bob was born in Andover, MA, on July 10, 1930. He received a scholarship to Phillips Academy and graduated from Tufts University with a degree in mathematics. After serving in the Korean War, he became a programmer in the nascent computer industry, and eventually a computer analyst for the US Air Force at Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA. He raised his family in Oak Hill Park, Newton, MA, until retiring to Florida in 1990. Not content to be idle, he worked the next 20 years in accounting for hotels, and was employed by the West Wind Inn on Sanibel Island. He loved traveling, taking extensive family summer vacations, going on cruises, swimming, dancing, seafood, reading non-fiction, and opera. He was formerly an active member of Toastmasters, and studied language, culture, and religion in his youth. But the driving passion in his life was his wife and children, providing them with a good home, education, and an environment in which to thrive. He was a beloved father, and in the words of his wife, "the best husband a woman could ever have." We miss you Pappy. His ashes will be interred at the Dea family plot in Andover, MA. In lieu of flowers, please donate blood at your local blood center (his favorite charity). Condolences may be sent in care of Gendron Funeral Home, 4224 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers, FL 33901 (gendronfuneralhome.com).