Robert M. Dawson

Robert M. Dawson, 89, husband of the late Barbara W. (Wallace) Dawson died Tuesday at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Born in Beverly, son of the late Eugene M. and Grace L. (Caulkins) Dawson, he lived in Beverly all of his life and was a graduate of Beverly High School, Class of 1938. Mr. Dawson and his late wife Barbara were the co-founders of Dawsons Hardware Store in Beverly, which was established in May of 1960. This May, the hardware store will celebrate its 50 year anniversary. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II, and served in Normandy. Bob got his retail experience at Noyes Hardware Store in Swampscott. He was employed at the former United Shoe Machine Corporation for several years and was a manager at the Marshalls Department Store in North Beverly. Bob was a past president of the Tri-Town Rotary Club and a member of the Wenham Golf Club. He had a wide network of social friends. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband to his wife Barbara, and a beloved father and grandfather. After his family, Bob loved his store, his employees and his customers. Surviving him are two sons, Robert W. Dawson and his wife Nancy Lee of Rowley; James D. Dawson and his wife Marie of Beverly; two daughters, Linda J. Maxner of Newburyport; and Deborah E. Scialdone and her husband Richard of Beverly; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren and many friends. His wife Barbara died in 2007. A Memorial Service was held at the Second Congregational Church, 35 Conant Street, Beverly on Monday at 11:00 A.M. Visiting hours were at Campbell | Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly (North Beverly location) Sunday from 4 to 7 P.M. Contributions may be made in his memory to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or to American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com