Obituary published on Legacy.com by Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel on Mar. 10, 2026.
Robert D. Reis, 92, a longtime resident of
Hingham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Joanne (Godfrey) Reis, who passed in 2020; his parents, Arthur and Virginia Reis; and his siblings, Arthur Jr., Virginia, Bonnie, and David.
Born on November 11, 1933, in
White Plains, New York, Bob moved to Hingham at age 5. He grew up sailing, skiing, and playing tennis and the piano. A graduate of Hingham schools and Proctor Academy, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. In 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy, training as an aviator in Pensacola, Florida, before returning to Hingham.
Bob enjoyed a distinguished career at United Electric Controls in Watertown, Massachusetts, where he rose to CEO. An inventive engineer, he held numerous patents which were instrumental in creating a global brand of products, most of which are still in production at UE today-a lasting testament to his ingenuity and impact on the industry.
After retirement, Bob stayed active, sailing his 210-class boat out of Hingham Yacht Club, taking ski trips with his Hingham friends and family, and playing tennis and golf at Cohasset Golf Club and Wyndemere in Naples, Florida, well into his later years.
He is survived by his five children: Barry Reis of Lancaster, MA; Barbara Murphy (Scott) of Hingham; Pamela Marcella of Scituate; Robert D. Reis Jr. (Margie) of Larkspur, CA; and Steve Reis (Lisa) of Hingham.
Bob was cherished as "Gampa" by his grandchildren, Lauren Holm (Brett), Jessica LoConte (Armand), and Conor Murphy (Lauren); Nicole (James) and Michael Marcella; Parker and Kevin Reis (Sarah); and Steven and Bryan Reis.
Bob was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren - Reis, Will and Henry Holm, Sofia Reis and Nolan Murphy. He also shared wonderful memories with his brother and sister-in-law Peter and Beverly Godfrey, and his many nieces and nephews. In the past year, he was blessed to have wonderful care from Marli and Mohamed Elshafei, whose kindness and dedication eased his days.
Bob's life was defined by quiet strength, unwavering family devotion, and a genuine joy in the pursuits that connected him to others. Bob will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life service with his beloved wife, Joanne, will be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Croí Health, Norwell, Massachusetts.
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