Robert J. Saltmarsh, 86, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 4, 2013 at his home surrounded by family after years of declining health due to Alzheimer’s. He was the beloved husband of Maura (Brabin) Saltmarsh.
Born in New Bedford, he moved to Mattapoisett 17 years ago. He was the son of the late Robert C. and Edna (Stoessel) Saltmarsh. Bob was a graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of ’42’, who proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war he utilized the G.I. Bill to study languages in Europe, eventually becoming fluent in five languages. In 1956 he boarded a tramp steamer and traveled around the world. Bob became a world class sailor and was a true Corinthian. He was a Past Commodore of New Bedford Yacht Club and truly enjoyed racing Lasers around the world. He was also a member of the Abraham Howland Lodge, A.F. and A.M. in New Bedford.
Robert was well known for owning and managing Saltmarsh’s Department Store, an institution in Downtown New Bedford.
Survivors in addition to his wife are daughter Kitty Voos of East Aurora, NY and her husband Rick Hill; son Patrick Saltmarsh and his wife Michelle of Mattapoisett; stepson Jeffrey Isherwood and his wife LuAnn of Rome, NY; five grandchildren, Natalie and Whit Voos of East Aurora, NY; Lexi, Tori, and Patrick J. Saltmarsh; and a great grandson Brayden Saltmarsh, all of Mattapoisett.
His Funeral Mass will be on Friday, August 9, at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Community Boating Center, 1641 Padanaram Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740 www.communityboating.org. The family would also like to thank the ladies at the Fairhaven Social Day Program. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.