Tiverton, RI – Robert “Bob” Tillinghast Church, 87, husband of 62 ½ years to Priscilla “Petie”(Schirmer) Church, of Lincoln Center and Westport Point died Sunday, February 22, 2004 at Sakonnet Bay Manor after a brief illness.
He was born November 29, 1916 in Sharon, MA, son of the late Ernest C. and Josephine L. (Tillinghast) Church. He had lived in Lincoln since 1949 before retiring to Westport Point in 1983. Mr. Church served in WWII as a Lieutenant J.G. in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill. Prior to his retirement he worked as a Port Engineer and was employed by The Mystic Steamship Company, Eastern Gas & Fuel Associates, and Boston Towboat Company.
Bob attended and graduated from Shady Hill School, Cambridge School, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1940. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and crew team. While living in Lincoln, Bob was a member of the First Parish Church and served on the Parish Committee; the Old Town Hall Exchange, C.O.A.; coached baseball and soccer; and was a member of the Lincoln Players. After retiring to Westport Point, he was known as an avid and dedicated sailor. He was a member of the Westport Point United Methodist Church; treasurer of the Town of Westport Historical Society, Westport Yacht Club, the R.O.M.E.O.’s, and was for many years a volunteer for the Fall River Community Soup Kitchen every Friday.
Including his wife, survivors include a daughter: Margaret Beaumont and her husband Michael of Sussex, WI; 3 sons: Anthony P. Church and his wife Lorraine of Wilmington, MA, Jonathan S. Church and his wife Susan of Lincoln, MA and Nathaniel W. Church of Ashburnham, MA; 6 grandchildren: David R. Beaumont, Zachary Church, Amanda Church, Meredith Church, Melissa Church and Robert P. Church; brother in law: James L. Noyes; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He was also the brother of the late Ruth W. Noyes.
Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family.
Calling hours are omitted.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to an Alzheimer’s Disease Association of your choice would be most appreciated.