Robert J. Ledwell

He was born Robert Joseph Ledwell on August 20, 1921 in Rockland, MA, the son of Augustine and Mary (Flynn) Ledwell. He graduated from Rockland High School in 1939, and served his country in the United States Navy during W.W. II in the Intelligence Center in Washington DC.

Bob and Rose, children of Irish and Italian shoe workers, both grew up in Rockland. They were united in marriage on April 25, 1943 in Holy Family Parish in Rockland, and raised their seven children in there. Before and after the war Bob worked as a machinist’s apprentice at the Fore River shipyard. In 1947 he joined the Rockland Police force, becoming chief of the department in 1962.

He retired to Pocasset in 1977 for many happy years of travelling extensively, wintering in Florida, and golfing and playing the piano all along the way. He enjoyed his family and the many new friends he made in Pocasset, and was a member of the Tide Club, and an active member of St. John the Evangelist Parish. He cared lovingly for Rose during her long affliction with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bob learned to play the piano at an early age, and played professionally from his teens into his 80’s. He chaired the piano bar at the Dolphin Inn in Buzzards Bay for many years. He continued to play occasional gigs and to dazzle all with his dexterity to the very end of his life.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents, his beloved wife Rose, his daughter Marylou, a son in-law Patrick Mayle, and great-granddaughter Kira Ledwell.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Kevin of Bristol, RI, James and his wife Margaret of Falmouth, Virginia Venti and her husband Robert of Leominster, Brian and his wife Teresa of Jamestown, CO, Robert and his wife Amy of Quincy, and Teresa Rose Mayle of Hayden, CO. Bob is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Beloved for his gentlemanly charm, readiness for a social gathering, and a twinkle in his eye, he will be missed by all.

A visitation, with family, will be Friday January 30, from 4:00 to 8:00 o’clock PM, at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home in Bourne.