Robert Philip Winterhalter

Robert Philip Winterhalter, 81, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, at the Mary Ann Morse Nursing Home. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cynthia (Cook) Winterhalter. He leaves a brother, David. L. Winterhalter (Suzanne) and sister-in-law, Kittie Winterhalter (Alan), all of North Carolina, and two nephews, four nieces and eight grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Alan in 2005. A 77-year resident of Ashland, Bob was born in Waltham on Dec. 28, 1928, the eldest son of Philip E. and Ruth M. (Stearns) Winterhalter. He graduated from Ashland High School and UMASS Amherst, Class of 1950, and served in Korea during the Korean War, as a U.S. Army Signal Corps officer, where he earned a Bronze Star, and retired as a Major after over 20 years service in the reserves. Bob was an active Mason and Past Master of North Star Lodge in Ashland and Montgomery Lodge in Milford and holder of the Joseph Warren Medal. After being a District Deputy Grand Master in 1985, he then became active in the Commandery, serving as Grand Commander of Mass. & R.I. in 1989-1990 and Northeast Department Commander of the Grand Encampment of the USA, 2003-2006. In his youth he was Master Councilor of Framingham DeMolay and later President of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Some of his many other offices held were High Priest of Parker-Concord Chapter, District Deputy Grand High Priest and Illustrious Master of Milford Council. For the last 10 years he was the Transportation Director for the Millis Public Schools and previously worked for the towns of Wellesley and Concord transportation. For over 25 years with his wife he owned and operated Big W Trans, Inc., a school, charter and transit bus service in Ashland and surrounding towns. He also served on many committees for the town of Ashland, and most recently, the Historical Commission and CPA Committee. In July the Selectmen awarded him a Town of Ashland Civic Pride Award. A Memorial Service will be held at the Federated Church of Ashland, 118 Main Street, Ashland, on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. Visitation hours will be at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street, Ashland, on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 2-5 p.m. There will be a public Masonic Service at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Federated Church of Ashland, General Fund.