ROBERT IGNATIUS OWENS

1946 - 2022

OWENS, Robert Ignatius Died February 4, at the age of 75, after a nine-year struggle with corticobasal syndrome dementia. Bob was born on October 7, 1946, to Andrew Owens and Margaret Falvey Owens in Worcester and grew up in Framingham, with his three siblings in a household where humor was highly valued. He attended St. Stephens School and Marian High School in Framingham, and graduated from Harvard College in 1968. In 1969, he joined the U.S.Navy, and served in the Mobile Riverine Force, Mekong River Delta, Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V" among other commendations. After discharge Bob took a job as administrative aide to his old friend and state senator Ed Burke of Framingham. He loved his work in the State House and in 1972 filed papers to run for Framingham state representative. Bob was elected decisively in a crowded field of six candidates, an outcome his campaign organizer attributed to his having "just the right mix of Harvard and blarney". He served one term, was re-elected to a second, and then resigned mid-term to take a job as administrative assistant to U.S. Congressman Robert Drinan in his district office. In 1973, he married Elizabeth Harte, who was a reporter at the local Framingham daily newspaper and had been assigned to interview Bob, when he was running for office. After politics Bob joined family members and friends as an investor in various ventures including real estate and newspapers, such as North Shore Weeklies and Cape Cod Publishing Co. He was always proud of his three daughters Maggie, Julia and Lizzie, and taught them how to do all the important things in life: plant and tend a vegetable garden, drive a snowmobile, make maple syrup and apple cider, and vote in every election, preferably for the Democrat on the ticket. Bob was a sought-after civic volunteer and served on the boards of the Beacon Hill Civic Association, Historic New England, and Shady Hill School, all of which he went on to serve as chairman. He was also a trustee of Historic Deerfield and Hancock Shaker Village. In addition to his wife and daughters, he leaves son-in-law Bill Moran; grandchildren Esme and Will Moran; his siblings Peter Owens, Andrea Shagory, and Mary Perry; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends who loved him for his kindness and sense of humor. The family is forever grateful for the steadfast and loving care Bob received from his caregivers Moses Ferdinand, Anne Letelier, Myrlande Tessier and Juna Pierre, and also from the staff at Rogerson House. A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bob's memory may be sent to The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF), 50 N. Merrimon Ave, Ste 115, Asheville, NC 28804, or made online at support.acf.org