Robert A. Parsons, 78, of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014, after a hard fought, and valiant battle.

He was born in Norwood, Massachusetts August 13, 1935, the eldest of five, he was the beloved son of Sally (Murphy) Parsons and Alden "Lou" Parsons.

He graduated Walpole High School in 1953, then worked as a meat cutter at the Stop & Shop in Islington.

In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman Third Class, serving in Korea as a radar specialist. In 1956, he served out his remaining duty in Tennessee.

While on leave back home in Walpole, at a "Fireman's Muster" he asked out Barbara Harris. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in April of 1957. They moved to Norris, Tennessee, and welcomed their first child, Debra. Eventually Bob and Barbara would welcome three more children, Donna, Caroley and Bob.

Upon discharge from the military, Bob was immediately accepted to Franklin Tech. He was class Vice President and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then proceeded to attend Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he graduated in 1967. While attending Northeastern, he also worked at Troy Mills, Inc., in Troy NH. He began his career as a mechanical engineer and retired as Vice President of R&D in 1997 after 37 years. Bob was credited for many of the patents and innovative breakthroughs the Mill achieved. Towards the end of his career, he attended Plymouth State College where he received his MBA in 1985. He graduated the same day as his son, Bob, who was receiving his bachelors from Plymouth State. In his career, as is in all aspects of his life, he distinguished himself with kindness, wit, hard work, fortitude, dignity and respect.

Bob and Barbara eventually moved to Cape Cod and they split their time between their homes in Englewood, Florida and West Yarmouth, MA.

Bob had a lifelong love of learning and an innate curiosity. In addition to 24 years of schooling, he had a passion for sailing and went on to be a member of the United States Power Squadron . He loved to "tinker" and seemed to be able to fix almost anything with some spare parts, a level and a roll of duct tape. Outside of his family, his real passion, however, was his love of all things Boston sports and in particular, baseball.

Even as a young boy, due to obligations to school, work and family, it was difficult to find time to play the sports that he so loved. After his retirement, he was blessed with the chance to "re-live his childhood" by joining the Cape Cod Senior Softball League where he played for both the AG Edwards and the traveling Back Office teams. He was considered a "super teammate", supporting the players any way possible. They nicknamed him "Mr. Clutch" for the numerous clench hits he made where he either won ballgames, or kept the rally going. In the winter, Bob also played for two teams in Englewood. Not only was he a player, at times he was also team manager, umpire and league commissioner. In 2008, the Cape Cod Magazine wrote an article titled "The Boys of Summer" where his Back Office team won the Men's 70+ Eastern US, National and AA Division World Series Championship, referred to as the Triple Grand Slam of Softball. They were honored at the State House in Boston as a result of this rare feat. During the last 15 years of Bob's retirement, Bob and Barbara spent much time traveling.

He was the rock and guiding light of our family, and was known as "Pop Pop" to his eight grandchildren, Brooks, Hannah, Hailey, Matthew, Jake, Kyle, Ava and Trevor. He was even the favorite amongst the family pets. The grandchildren often referred to him as the "dog whisperer" due to his love of animals, gentle nature and enduring fondness for long walks with the family pets.

He was strong, kind, patient, loyal and extremely witty. He learned and replicated his parenting skills from his beloved mother Sally, and like his mother, had a unique and very special relationship with each of his children and grandchildren. When school assignments included writing about your hero, Pop Pop was often the subject matter. When someone needed help with math homework, Pop Pop was consulted. When someone needed to learn how to ride a bike, catch a ball or play hockey, Pop Pop would always be there to help. He had a gift for recognizing the strengths of each individual, accentuating the positives and building confidence. The heart and soul of his family, he will be sorely missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and all that knew him. His kind, gentle and witty ways translated into an abundance of lifelong friends spanning their years in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Florida.

Devoted husband of fifty seven years to Barbara (Harris). Loving father of Debra J. Barnard, Donna L. Melz and her husband Stephen, Caroley Harrington, Robert S. Parsons and his wife Debra. Brother of Roger C. Parsons, Carol A. DePalma, Marilyn N. DiLillo and the late Sally Dermody. Beloved grandfather of eight wonderful grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass in St. Irene's Church, 187 East St., Carlisle, MA, Sat. Apr. 12 at 11A.M. Visitation at the Bedford Funeral Home 167 Great Rd., Bedford, Fri. Apr. 11 from 4:00-8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in the name of Robert Parsons to the MGH Development Office, Lung and Thoracic Cancer Research Fund, 100 Cambridge St. Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114 or Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.