Robert S. Gerrish of Needham died on Monday, May 19, 2008 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. He was 83 years old. Born in Arlington, Robert grew up in Wellesley Hills. He was a graduate of Kimball Union Academy Class of 1942 and Dartmouth College Class of 1946. He was a US Navy World War II veteran. Mr. Gerrish was the Former owner and President of the Palmer and Parker Lumber Company in Tewksbury from 1967-1991. The lumber company, founded in 1833 and was the second oldest lumber company and the oldest mahogany distributor in the nation when Mr. Gerrish retired in 1991. He was a member of the Retired Men’s Club of Needham and a Volunteer at the Needham Community Council Meals on Wheels program. Mr. Gerrish was an avid golfer, bowler and tennis player. He was the beloved husband for 59 years of Jane (Ohnemus) Gerrish and the loving father of Linda Gerrish Brayman and her husband Kenneth and Peter T. Gerrish and his wife Terry. Dear grandfather of Katherine T. Gerrish, Matthew S. Gerrish and his fiancé Kathleen Brown and Alexander K.S. Brayman. Brother of Ann Gordon McKissock and Richard D. Gerrish. Funeral services will be held at the Congregational Church of Needham 1154 Great Plain Ave Needham on Friday May 23rd at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Thursday 4-7 PM. Interment with military honor will take place at the Needham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Needham Community Council 51 Lincoln St, Needham MA 02492