In Taunton, April 1, 2009 Robert A., age 76, a retired english teacher in the Taunton Public Schools, died peacefully at home following a long illness. He was married for over 49 years to Mary C. (Tallent) Powers. Born in Taunton, son of the late Edward & Margaret (Sullivan) Powers, Bob was educated in catholic schools and a graduate of the former Monsignor Coyle High School in 1950. He received his bachelor’s degree from UMASS Dartmouth and a master’s degree from Bridgewater State College. He worked at Taunton Printing Company until 1969 when he began his career as a teacher with the Taunton Public Schools, retiring in 1992. Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed summers on the Cape at Bay View Campground. He was a communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton. As a member of the former Immaculate Conception Parish in Taunton, Robert was a Eucharistic Minister and 40 year member of the church choir. Robert was a lifetime member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #82 and a 35 year member of the Elks. He was a longtime volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern MA., Troop #494 and a former member of the Edith Reed Camp Committee. He was retired member of the MA. Teachers Association and of the Bristol County Teachers Association. He was a member of the Greater Taunton Gaelic Society. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter Margaret and her husband Robert Dutch of Bourne. He was a loving grandfather to Brendan and Sean Dutch of Bourne. He is also survived by his brother George Powers of Taunton and several neices and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward Powers Jr. and Francis Powers. He was also the grandfather of the late Cullan Dutch. Funeral from the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St. in Taunton on Monday, April 6th at 10am. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Jude the Apostle Church at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Sunday from 4-7pm. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Taunton. Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to: St. Vincent DePaul St. Jude the Apostle Conference, 249 Whittenton St., Taunton, MA. 02780 or Massachusetts SIDS Foundation, Boston Medical Center, 1 Boston Medical Center PL., Boston, MA. 02118-2393