Robert J. “Bob” Hall, 90, formerly of Paxton passed away peacefully while in his residence at Tatnuck Park, Worcester on Monday, December 18, 2017, with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife and soulmate of 56 years, Gwen (Lundin) Hall and his daughter, Barbara Socha.
Bob is survived by his children, who all loved him dearly; Jim and his wife, Laurie, John and his wife, Amy Claudia and her husband, Michael Karpinski and his son-in law, Tom Socha. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren; David and Laura Socha, Justin and Greg Hall, Kristen Carlson, Eric and Leah Hall, Nolan and Carl Karpinski and his close friend, Ann Wall.
Bob was born on July 16, 1927 to Merle G. Hall and Frances Corkum of Swampscott, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard just a week before his 18th birthday, serving on the U.S.S. Alameda in San Diego, California. He later served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. Retiring from the military in 1953, Bob focused on raising a family and pursuing a career in education. After receiving his Masters in Engineering from Cornell University, he taught Mechanical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and was named Professor of the Year twice. In addition to teaching, Bob was a proud member of the Paxton School Committee. He wrapped up his career as the Director of Continuing Education at WPI and as Moderator of the Town of Paxton. An avid skier and biker, Bob remained active throughout his entire life. He loved spending his summers in Kennebunk, Maine, where he built a cabin for his family to share. Later in life, Bob took up soaring, loving the peacefulness of gliding his plane high above central Massachusetts.
The family is planning a memorial service on January 20, 2018, at the First Congregational Church of Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to The Richards Memorial Library of Paxton or The First Congregational Church of Paxton. Arrangements are in the care of the CALLAHAN, FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. To share a memory or leaver an online condolence, please sign the guestbook.