Robert Wallace Bewley

1925 - 2013

CARY, N.C. - Robert Wallace Bewley died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2013. Born Nov. 10, 1925, in Quincy, Mass., he was 88 years old. Bob is the son of Ruth and James Bewley of Braintree, Mass. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 63 years, Shirley. Their affection and love for one another glowed ever stronger as the years they shared flew by.

Bob is survived by his adoring daughters; Jan and husband Dr. Spyro Vulgaropulos of Cary, N.C., Robin and husband, Salim El-Khoury, of Oakville, Ontario, and Beth and husband, Kevin Allen, of Manchester. He was dearly cherished by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; oldest grandchild David Robbins and wife, Velvet, of Lakehead, Calif., parents of great-grandsons Cillian and Ashby, Jacqueline Robbins of Los Angeles, Calif., Zoe Vulgaropulos of Silver Spring, M.D., Maya Vulgaropulos of Los Angeles, Calif., and Parker, Emily and Chloe Allen of Manchester.

He is also survived by his loving sister-in-law, Connie Urquhart. "Uncle Bob" was loved by his nieces and nephews; Dorna Bewley, Marcia Bewley, Jay Bewley, Kathy Abbott-Mayer, Bill Abbott, Susan Urquhart, Bonnie Urquhart, and their families. He was preceded in death by his dear brother, James Bewley, of New London, and by nephews Jon Bewley and Douglas Urquhart.

A popular and outgoing guy, Bob was elected president of his sophomore and junior class at Braintree High School. He participated in track, football, prize speaking and debate. After graduating in 1943 at age 17, he began training in the Merchant Marines.He served in WWII as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine on the Liberty Ships starting at the age of 18, shuttling supplies to the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasion.

After the war, he joined his father's firm, H. T. Ripley, Inc. of Everett, Mass., taking the helm soon afterward. His business specialized in light iron and steel. Under I.M. Pei's direction, he fabricated and donated the bronze stanchion and chain assembly that borders Robert Kennedy's grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

He was a member of the Executives Club of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, serving as president from 1974-75. He was also a trustee of the Union Congregational Church of Weymouth and Braintree, as well as a member of the Delta Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Braintree, Mass.

After their wedding in June of 1950, the Bewleys first resided in Quincy, Mass., followed by Weymouth, Mass., Francestown and Hancock, and for the last 14 years, in Cary, N.C. Bob proudly served as Deputy Sheriff for Hillsborough County, for over a decade. He was also a part-time patrolman for the Francestown Police Department and dedicated Francestown Volunteer Fire Fighter. For a short period of time, along with friend and partner Bob Cloutier, he operated the Peterborough Car Wash.

Bob enjoyed traveling, cooking, boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, and watching football. A longtime fan of the New England Patriots, he also enjoyed rooting for the home team in North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers.

He was blessed with many, many dear friends. Bob will be remembered for his great sense of humor, love of jokes, and masterful storytelling. He was a stellar example of the Greatest Generation, an honest, hard-working, non-complaining, loyal, devoted, generous and thoughtful man who always aspired to do the right thing. He will be dearly missed by all.

A heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Singh, of Cancer Centers of North Carolina, for the loving care he provided, and a special salute to Hospice of Wake County. Bob's family is so grateful for your tender support and assistance.

A private service was held for the immediate family at the Cremation Society of the Carolinas, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for the spring. All are welcome to attend. For more information please visit www.cremnc.com to find Robert's online guestbook.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607, (919) 828-0890, www.hospiceofwake.org.