CHATHAM, MA - Robert Joseph Townsend, 85 passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, November 28, 2020. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 23, 1935, the second of four children born to the late Robert Alexander and Edith (Cooke) Townsend.
Robert graduated from Brooklyn Prep in 1953, received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University in 1958. He served for the United States Navy on the USS Massey from 1958-1961. Robert worked in the power and steel industry for 45 years as an Executive Vice President and President. He began a 55 year marriage with the love of his life Regina (West) Townsend. Robert is survived by his wife, Regina of Chatham, MA, Robert Scott Townsend, his wife Sara and their two children Robert Grayson and Sloane of Wellesley MA; Gregory Paul Townsend his wife Kristine and their children Jack, Madeline and Luke of Naperville, IL; Regina Townsend McClellan and her two children Emma and Andrew of Scituate, MA. Robert is also survived by his siblings, Edith Leu of North Adams, MA, Lenore Cohen of Sterling, VA and Paul Townsend of Las Vegas, NV.
Longtime resident of Chatham, NJ Robert took great pride in coaching youth sports with a playful, genuine enthusiasm. He served for 10 years on the Chatham Board of Education and volunteered at Saint Patrick’s Parish. He was the ultimate family man who treated his wife, children and grandchildren as his top priority.
Due to the COVID pandemic there will be a private family service on December 1st in Chatham, MA, post pandemic there will be a memorial mass in Madison, NJ.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Redeemer Parish 57 Highland Ave Chatham, MA 02633 or the Special Olympics MA, 512 Forest St. Marlborough, MA 01752, Attn: Brenden Clark on the check please, or with a note write direct donation to the PAC Penguins in memory of Robert Townsend. Two beautiful charities that meant the world to Robert.
