Robert R. Love

Robert Richard "Bob" Love passed away Tuesday morning of April 27, 2021 in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loving family and the warm sunrise on the horizon. After a courageous 18 year battle with Parkinsons disease, the former all-star pitcher was finally relieved at the mound, and is resting in the dugout after a life well lived. Bob was born in Braintree, Massachusetts to George and Esther Love. He spent his younger years enjoying summers on Marshfield Beach with his three siblings Paul, Cornelia and Kathy and many beloved cousins. Bob was a three sport captain at Braintree High School, starting as quarterback for the football team, point guard for the basketball team and pitcher for the baseball team. Bob played in the Boston Garden over a dozen times, winning multiple state championships. After high school Bob continued his athletic prowess competing in football and baseball at the University of Connecticut and pitched at Fenway Park as a collegiate all-star. He was inducted into the Braintree Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995. Bob was an avid traveler, spending many summers after college motorcycling across Europe with old friends and new, negotiating his way across borders and running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. This passion never ceased in him, often taking his children on adventures and encouraging them to explore the world whenever the opportunity allowed. Bob temporarily hung up his cleats and put on his tie, becoming an English teacher at Central Middle School in Braintree, and later Vice Principal at East Middle School. During this time, the curly-haired, mustached administrator coached his three passioned sports for the local students. Bob married the love of his life, Carol, in 1976 and spent the next 45 years working as a team during the summers on Cape Cod, first founding A Little Bit of Love gift shop, and later as Managing Partner of Pirates Cove Adventure Golf. In his time in South Yarmouth, "Pirate Bob" mentored many young members of the community, both as employees and student athletes, and was also an active member of many Cape Cod organizations. Bob and Carol raised their three children, Courtney, Allison and Brian in Duxbury, but continued to leave footprints on both sides of the Sagamore Bridge with summers down the Cape. As the children grew, Bob was actively involved in coaching his kids in their various sports, both as a coach and as a spectator, never once missing game in any of their high school or collegiate sporting careers. Some of his happiest days were cheering along on the sidelines and taking pictures for everyone to enjoy. In his twilight, the avid carrot cake enthusiast enjoyed spending his time fishing on Bass River and in Naples, Florida, taking sunset tours on the Love Boat, catching Y-D baseball games, photography, and losing sleep over Boston sports. Bob is survived by his wife Carol of Bass River and Naples, FL, Courtney (Eric) Deshaies of Medfield, Allison (Joe) Hamza of Holliston and Brian of Chicago, Illinois. He was the ultimate "Papa" to five adoring granddaughters, Ellery, Harper, Scarlett, Sophia and Payton. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the American Parkinsons Association, or Avow Frances Georgeson Hospice House at 1095b Whippoorwill Ln, Naples, FL 34105. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. While there is no true relief pitcher for the man that Bob was, he is now resting with a smile on his face, knowing he pitched a perfect game.