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Weir Mac Cuish Family Funeral Home 144 Salem Street, Malden, MA 02148 A member of the Malden Community since 1896 |
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Robert Munroe Carlton A celebration of Bob Carlton’s life will be held Saturday, March 6th, 2010.
Friends are asked to gather at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park 185 Lake Street Peabody, MA for a 10:00 am funeral procession.
Following the internment with military honors, please join the family at Spinelli’s Route 1 South Lynnfield, MA for a luncheon and celebratory gathering to honor Bob’s long and unique life.
Many are grieving the loss of a unique and gritty gentleman who despite his age was young in heart and spirit. Robert (Bob) Munroe Carlton of Malden died peacefully Wednesday, December 30th, on his own terms, after 86 full years of challenge, adventure, and accomplishment. Independent and direct, you could always count on him for an honest opinion and a corny joke. A storyteller, he had an endless cache of fascinating stories. He leaves behind his cherished wife and partner of 56 years, Lois W. (Reid), his daughter Roberta and her husband John Russell of Peabody, his son Robert S. Carlton and his wife Susan of ME and his son Philip A. Carlton of CO. He was also the proud and boastful grandfather of Katherine Russell and Jacob and Nicholas Carlton.
Bob led a rich and varied life. Born at home May 22, 1923, in Malden, he grew up in Medford, raised by his grandparents, Anna and Albert Turner with assistance from their daughter Marguerite, his Aunt Peg. All three were powerful influences and instilled a strong sense of duty and work ethic in their young and headstrong charge. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, lying about his age since he was too young to serve. He became a Tech Sergeant radio operator and gunner on B24s, and was sent to England. While there Bob was able to connect with his grandfather’s relatives and form relationships that would carry over through the generations. Bob’s strong personality and honest opinions were well known within the military – characteristics that served him well and fueled mischief. His crew had the privilege of flying Glenn Miller and his band to their airbase for a concert, an endeavor that included a near crash during take off. While flying his 30th mission over Germany, his bomber (Rum Dum) was crippled by flak. The bombardier was killed instantly and the rest of the crew bailed out. Bob was 21 years old at the time. He was quickly captured by the Germans, endured a forced march from Nuremberg to Moosburg, was imprisoned at a POW camp, later escaped and made his way to Paris. He did not return to England until September 2008, roughly sixty-three and a half years later, with his wife and three children. He reunited with relatives and friends, visited his old airfield, was honored at museums and memorials and signed the Wall of Honor at his Bomb Group’s Museum. He was humbled by the number of Britons who wanted to shake his hand and say thank you for his service and sacrifice. After the war, Bob worked briefly in the auto industry and then joined the U.S. Postal Service, working for most of his career at the Malden P.O. He rose to become a financial clerk and joined the Board of Directors for the Boston Postal Credit Union, now the first Priority Credit Union, and remained an active member of the board until his death. He greatly valued the friendship and colleagueship of his fellow board members. Bob and Lois married January 10th, 1953 and built their home in Malden in 1955 on a dirt road. True to his character, Bob stood in front of the bulldozer to prevent it from razing all the trees on his property. Consequently, their backyard was lush, shady, a sanctuary for birds and animals and the site of frequent parties, cookouts and volleyball games. They’ve been blessed with caring neighbors who often look in and lend a hand. Bob and Lois made many memorable trips to places such as Japan, Thailand, Bonaire and Majorca. To celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary, they traveled by rail across the Canadian Rockies. Bob was a Past Master of Mt.Tabor-Seaview Lodge of Masons and a proud and active Shriner with a strong commitment to their philanthropic work. He became a member of the Aleppo Shrine Arab Patrol in 1953 and rose to the position of Major. Bob took great pride in his children’s accomplishments and passed his love of the outdoors and hunting to his two sons. When the boys were old enough, Bob began annual hunting trips with one or both boys. After his son Robert moved to Maine, he continued the tradition by traveling to Rob’s for a week of hunting. Philip would make the trip from Colorado whenever possible. The tradition continued until Bob was 85. Bob loved swing music and he and Lois loved to dance. When he died, a Glen Miller CD was playing in the background and his children were with him. Bob was a proud and generous man who lived life fully, didn’t shirk responsibility and made lasting connections wherever he went. He leaves behind many individuals who are grateful he was a part of their life. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in February. In recognition of the wonderful work of the Shriners, donations may be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Aleppo-Hospital Transportation Fund, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA 01887 or Burns Institute Boston Unit, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.
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