Robert W. Carter

Robert W. Carter of Georgetown, MA, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019.

Bob was born in Beverly, MA, on October 17, 1943 to A. Belman and Norma (nee Nutter) Carter, the youngest of their 3 children. Bob grew up in Topsfield and graduated from Masconomet Regional High School in 1961. He received a degree from Lowell Technical Institute in Civil Engineering.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Nancy (nee Roberts) of Boxford, in 1964. They were married for 55 years and had 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Bob spent over 40 years working as a civil engineer (“just barely civil,” as he would often say with a smile) for the Mass Highway Department. In 1978, Bob was made the District 5 (Essex County) Snow and Ice Engineer. Little did he know he would be learning about emergency snow and ice removal in a truly trial-by-fire situation during the record-setting Blizzard of ’78! Later in his career, at a meeting in Boston about how to redirect traffic around a new construction site in a busy area of the state, there was much talk, but not much agreement, about what approach to take. In exasperation, Bob finally said, “Let’s just put up a sign that says, ‘Seek Alternate Route.’” And they did! That phrase has become ubiquitous in construction areas, not only here in MA, but all across the country!

Bob was an active member of the Byfield Parish Church, serving as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for several years. He was also an active member of the Masonic Temple for 52 years, transferring from the New Meadows Lodge in Topsfield to the Charles C. Dame Lodge in Georgetown in 2010.

Bob enjoyed hiking the White Mountains with his brother, and golfing, especially with his son and grandson. During the 1980s he developed a passion for bicycling and participated in the first three Pan Massachusetts Challenge races. He was an avid fan of all New England sports teams. (Go, Pats!) But, above all, Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – out in the yard playing games in the summer or throwing snowballs and sledding in the winter, and always with the grill on in the background.

Those who knew Bob will remember his kindness and generosity; he was quick to help, with no questions asked. They will also remember his sense of humor and the ease of his laughter. Everyone who met Bob loved him. He had a big heart and a sensitive spirit; he was a good, loving and generous family man. Bob will be missed beyond words but we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth, and his sister, Winifred.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son, Christopher and his wife Susan of Wilmington, his daughter Jessica-Anne Becker and her husband David of Walworth, NY, his daughter Susannah of Seabrook, NH, and his daughter Hope of Bradford, his grandson Alexander and his partner Nina, and his granddaughters Sarah-Anne, Kaitlin, Emma, Helene, Colleen, and Charlotte, well as his great-grandchildren, Lucas and Liam Robert. He is also survived by his brother, A. Belman Carter and his wife Carole, his sister-in-law Anne Roberts, and his brother-in-law Dr. Franklin C. (Scott) Roberts and his wife Emily.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Byfield Parish Church, 132 Jackman Street, Georgetown, MA, on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s charity of your choice.

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