Robert C. Waehler

Robert C. Waehler, 97, of Peabody, MA passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Marilyn (Failor) Waehler, his loving children Nancy and the late Paul Hamman of Barnegat, NJ, Jane and the late William Shaughnessy of Denville, NJ, and Charles Waehler of Lexington, MA; step-children Jon Aster and Erin Malone of Lexington, MA, Rick Aster and Jan Tarr of Ft. Collins, CO, David and Michelle Aster of Fitchburg, MA; grandchildren Shaun (Heather) Hamman, Corey (Karen) Hamman, Andrei Shaughnessy, Arthur Shaughnessy, Sage Waehler, Michael (Erin Shaughnessey) Aster, Meghan Aster, Ellen Aster, Julie Aster,, Zachary Aster, Zoe Aster, Oliver Aster; great-grandaughters Natalie, Brie and Madelyn Hamman; great-grandson Henry, a brother Paul David and Lynn Waehler of Enfield, NH; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and cousins and their families. He was pre-deceased by his sister Lois (Carl) Beck, niece Kathi Beck and step-mother Olive Waehler.

Robert was born to the late Charles and Mabel (Nutt) Waehler in Jersey City, NJ. He spent his youth in Rochelle Park, NJ, and Fairfield, CT. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines before attending college and receiving Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Business Administration and Education at Boston University. He spent the rest of his life as a Massachusetts resident, raising his 3 children with his first wife (Joanne), and later with his second wife, Marilyn. He served in various positions as Director of Student Activities and Professor of Accounting at Burdett College and Boston University before moving to Suffolk University as Dean of the School of Management and later as a tenured Professor of Accounting. At Suffolk, he developed and taught a course titled "Accounting for Lawyers" at the Suffolk Law School and later became a Special Assistant to the President of Suffolk. A devoted educator, he often had students over to his house to tutor them, sometimes forming life-long friendships and collaborations.

Always a conscientious provider, Robert supplemented his teaching income as a CPA, maintaining an accounting and consulting practice with a variety of assignments for individual tax payers and small business and not-for-profit organizations. He also conducted seminars for professional organizations and lectured in continuing education programs at several local colleges. In the 1990's Robert also worked with an old friend and colleague, Peter Nessen, who held the position of Secretary of Administration and Finance in the Massachusetts' Governor's cabinet. A life-long Lutheran, he served his member churches in various capacities, including Sunday School teacher and superintendent. He was the VP of Administrative Services of the Lutheran Service Association of New England, Inc., and served on the board of Camp Calumet Lutheran in West Ossipee, NH.

Robert was an avid golfer who also enjoyed tennis, bridge, cross-country skiing, bicycle riding, and travel. His children have wonderful memories of fishing with him at Lake Massapoag. Later in life he had his own pool cue and played regularly with his senior group, and also enjoyed playing cribbage and doing crossword puzzles. Even though he couldn't carry a tune, he loved hearing the Boston Symphony both in Boston and at Tanglewood, as well as attending plays and musicals. With his wife Marilyn by his side, he traveled extensively abroad and was proud of having visited all 50 states.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for later in the year.