Robert James “Bob” St. Pierre, 97, of Mattapoisett passed away on May 15, 2025, rejoining his beloved family in eternal rest.
He was born on December 1, 1927, in Salem, Massachusetts, to Elise and Jean “John” St. Pierre. During his youth, Bob lived in several North Shore towns including Beverly, Peabody, and Nahant before settling with his family in Salem. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Salem and went on to attend Salem State College, where he graduated as class salutatorian.
After his first year at Salem State, Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 as a clerk, helping to discharge hundreds of service members returning to civilian life. He later married Elizabeth Fossa of Danvers, Massachusetts, the valedictorian of his graduating class. The couple moved to New Bedford as Bob searched for a full-time teaching position. He first worked as a department manager at Cornell-Dubilier before beginning his teaching career in Westport. Amid work and family responsibilities, he earned a Master’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State College.
Bob dedicated his life to family and education. He mentored countless students and colleagues while teaching science and mathematics at Westport High School and later at Westport Middle School. Bob devoted many hours to Scouting, serving as a troop leader as well as a Commissioner and as a Program Director at Camp Cachalot in Plymouth for many summers. After retirement, he and Elizabeth rarely ate lunch at home, choosing instead to enjoy the freedom they had earned. Lifelong Red Sox fans, they regularly attended games and spent several springs in Winter Haven, Florida, to watch the team’s training. During these trips, Bob had the memorable opportunity to play golf with Ted Williams and Jim Rice.
Bob and Elizabeth were passionate supporters of the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He served for years on the team’s board and managed concession operations, earning an outstanding service award. He was also the official timekeeper for both the girls’ and boys’ basketball home games in Westport, a role that he filled for an astonishing 58 years. In recognition of his dedication, he was inducted into the Westport Hall of Fame in 1997 and received an appreciation award from the Hall of Fame Committee in 2024. A lifelong golfer, Bob enjoyed many rounds at the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett, where he was granted a lifetime membership.
Bob is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Deschamps of Salem; two sons, Robert James of East Bridgewater and his wife Susan, and James Edward of Mattapoisett and his wife Kim; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, in 2020; his daughter, Sally Goldrick, in March 2025; and his siblings Richard St. Pierre and Constance Cercone.
To many, Bob was the kindest man they ever knew. His legacy of quiet strength and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
His Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 3-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
