Robert W. Sides

Robert W. Sides, 96, formerly of Andover and Marblehead died peacefully October 21, 2012 at Edgewood in North Andover. Son of the late Walter H. and Edith (Whittemore) Sides, he was born in Yonkers, New York on February 14, 1916. He graduated from Phillips Academy Andover '34 and Harvard '38. Bob was the long term Director of Admissions as well as a teacher of mathematics and celestial navigation at Phillips Academy Andover from 1938-1972. He also coached sailing, tennis, squash and golf. He was one of the founders of the Secondary School Admissions Testing Program (SSAT). He was a champion sailor and tennis player as well as a passionate birder. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 52 years Kate (Boyce) Sides. He is survived by his 5 children; Kate S. Flather of Boston, Robert W. Sides Jr. and his wife Margaret S. of Marblehead, Sophie S. Cowan and her husband Douglas F. of Blue Hill, ME, Lucie S. Bourdon and her husband Richard M. of Lyme, NH, Natalie S. Miller and David V. Ives of Lincoln. Also survived by 16 grandchildren: Kate M., Charles R., Lucie B., and Frederick P. Flather; Parker W. Sides and Rebeca S. Capellan; James F., Tyler W., and Sophie M. Cowan; Carrie B. Kisker , C. Hansell, Leland S., and Robert Allen Bourdon; Robert A., Lucie B., and Meredith B. Miller as well as 7 great grandchildren. Bobs Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday November 3 at 11 a.m. at the Cochran Chapel, Phillips Academy, Andover. Burial will be private at the Phillips Academy Cemetery. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence St. Andover, MA 01810. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kate and Robert W. Sides Scholarship Fund, Phillips Academy, 180 Main St. Andover, MA 01810 or the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. To offer online condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com