Robert H. MacRae

Robert H. "Bob" MacRae, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, just days after celebrating his 95th birthday on May 16th. Born to Bessie (Hammond) and Stephen MacRae, Bob grew up in Rowley, Massachusetts, where he forged a life marked by hard work, service, and devotion to family and community.
Bob was married for 69 years to his cherished wife, Shirley, who preceded him in death in April 2025. Together, they raised four children: Brian and his wife Donna (Bean), Andrea and her husband Edward Barry, Glenn and his wife Keri (Cordima), and Alan and his wife Shelly (Ippolito). Bob's greatest joy was being "Bumpa" to his nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who adored his serenades on his ever-present harmonica and treasured his warm and playful spirit.
He was predeceased by his nine brothers and sisters: Jean (Cole), Betty (Rita), Dorothy (Brady), David, Doug, Donald, Lewis, Brenda (Laplume), and Stephen. Bob's deep sense of family extended to all who knew him, and his legacy lives on in the generations he inspired.
Bob began working as a teenager at Dodge's Apple Orchard before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired after a lifelong career with Trimount Bituminous Products. Bob was an active member and former commander of VFW Post 5707 in Rowley, a lifelong member of the John T. Heard Masonic Lodge in Ipswich, and served for many years on the Rowley Volunteer Fire Department. He and Shirley were dedicated members of the First Congregational Church in Rowley until their retirement years in Florida
Even after retiring, Bob remained industrious, sharing his work ethic with his children and always lending a hand to family, friends, and neighbors. His devotion to Shirley was unwavering, especially through the challenges of their final years together as residents of the Pilgrim Nursing Home.
Bob MacRae's life was a testament to loyalty, kindness, and community spirit. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for July to celebrate both Bob and Shirley.
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~ Arrangements Entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~ To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert H. MacRae, please visit our floral store.