Robert Dixon Hall, Jr.
October 25, 1927 - January 20, 2023
Robert Dixon Hall, Jr. 95, of Northfield, MA (formerly of Needham, MA) died January 20, 2023 peacefully, at home. By his side was his wife, Céline Chabot-Hall, from Newport, VT and St-Laurent, Orleans Island, Province of Quebec. Robert was previously married to Jane Judson Hall before she passed in 2010.
Robert and Jane had 6 children: Chris Frado Wentworth (Loy) of West Chesterfield, NH; Karen Virginia Hasenfus (George) of Attleboro, MA; Michael Judson Hall (Elaine) of Powhatan, VA; Johanna Marie Farnum (Charles) of Mary Esther, FL; Robert Dixon Hall III (Donna) of Berlin, MA; and Andrew Joseph Hall (Carolyn) of Hinsdale, NH. As well as: 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Robert was born in Providence, RI on October 25, 1927 to Robert Dixon and Ruth (Hewes) Hall. Robert leaves behind his sister Natalie Clancy and brother Charles Hall both of Riverside, RI. His sister Jane Kilburn of St. Louis, MO and later Riverside, RI preceded him in death. Part of the “greatest generation” in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for active duty during WWII. After returning from duty serving on the USS Casablanca, Bob attended Brown University and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Robert was recalled to duty during the Korean War, where he served in the Army Reserves as a sergeant in the Ordinance Division.
Robert had a lengthy and diverse professional career to include: President & Founder of Tech Reps Advertising Agency; Founder of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and it’s publication Journal of American Medical Instrumentation; VP Marketing Charlestown Savings Bank; CEO St. Jean’s Credit Union; candidate for Congress (9th MA District) in 1994; Needham Library Trustee; Needham Town Meeting Member; Treasurer of Norfolk County, MA; Massachusetts Library Commissioner; and Massachusetts Deputy Commissioner Veterans’ Affairs.
He was Author of Getting Ready for NOW Accounts and the short story “Avalanche!” published in Yankee Magazine - Jan. 1973, Appalachia, and No Limits But The Sky; Author of the column The Needham Drummer in The Needham Times; and Ye Olde Editor of the Gazette newsletter for Needham’s History Center & Museum.
Robert enjoyed the outdoors and shared hiking, fishing, camping and rock climbing with his children. He survived an avalanche in the White Mountains while ice climbing. Went skydiving for his 75th birthday. Took flight in a WWII fighter plane for his 90th. Rafted the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon for a honeymoon. Traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada with his wife Céline.
Robert had many interests, to include; collecting books on many subjects but most notably those of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, Native Americans, and the American Revolution; and attending auctions hunting for antiques, military memorabilia, and Rufus Porter miniatures. His interests almost always resulted in joining some organization. His favorites were the Needham Historical Society (now the Needham History Center & Museum), the Olde Colony Civil War Roundtable of which he was a founding member, and a member of The Governor's Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
The man simply loved history, whether his own personal history, the life of a Union soldier, or a particular tool of old. He was an avid learner, reader, and researcher. He enjoyed public speaking. Dreamed of teaching college and lecturing. Around town, he regularly wore a Civil War kepi (hat). He dressed in uniform and went into the schools as Billy Yank, a character he created to bring history to life for the younger generation. He never forgot the impression an old Civil War veteran made on him as a kid in the 30’s. That soldier shook his hand and said, “Boy, you’ve now shook the hand of a man who shook the hand of Abraham Lincoln.” Robert carried that handshake forward to 4 generations of children who will never meet a Civil War veteran. But they met Robert Hall.
Whatever he did, Robert was always fully engaged. He was a doer. He joined organizations, served on boards, committees, and recruited others to get involved. He was an active citizen, passionate about public service and giving back to one’s community, church, and family. His positive attitude, belief in the good of each man, and strong faith in God sustained him for his lifetime.
Visiting hours on Monday February 6th from 4-7pm at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., Needham, MA. Funeral Mass in St. Bartholomew Church, 1180 Greendale Ave., Needham at 10am on Tuesday February 7th followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the Needham History Center & Museum, needhamhistory.org or Northfield VFW Post 9874, 545 Mount Hermon Station Rd., Northfield, MA 01360.