Robert Ellis Mower born in Burlington, Vermont on May 12 1932, son of Edna Rush Mower and E. Curtiss Mower and grandson of his beloved Papa Rush, all of Braintree, Massachusetts. Grew up and lived in Braintree Massachusetts. He died in Charlottesville, Virginia on February 21, 2023.
He was married for 51 years to his wife, Eleanor Sequeira Mower, who survives him.
He graduated from Thayer Academy, Braintree in 1950 and was the recipient in 1949 of The Harvard Book prize from Thayer Academy. Class president, captain of football team, active in student government, sports, member of Braintree All Souls Unitarian Church.
He attended Dartmouth College, member of Class of 1954 for three and a half years, transferred to Harvard University, graduated in 1955. He was a member of The Ripley Society of Dartmouth College until his death.
After graduation he worked in Los Angeles, Ca. for Los Angeles Times. Then moved back to Massachusetts, and worked in advertising for Eddie, Rucker, Nichols in Cambridge.
As he gravitated toward an appreciation for, and love of antiques and fine arts, which he was involved with for the rest of his life. Buying, selling, and appraising. He owned The Hobby Horse Antiques in Marion for close to 50 years, moving to Rochester, Mass. upon retirement. He created, owned and managed Compass Antiques Shows. Robert’s previous experience in the Communications and PR business with the Los Angeles Times, The Wrigley Company and clients such as The Harvard Trust Company was a factor in his success.
He is also survived by his son, Marshall C. Mower and wife, Lila of Honolulu, Hawaii; daughter, Melissa B. Mower of Santa Rosa, Calif.; son-in-law, Richard B. Drumm of Barboursville, Va.; and daughter through marriage of 51 years, Lisa M. Hall, who he loved as his own and her husband, Jim.
Predeceased by his parents; sister, Cynthia Mower Leggett; brother-in-law, Alan C.F. Leggett; daughter, Melinda A. Mower; stepdaughter, Susan B. Drumm; and stepson, Robert W. Bishop, III.
Survived also by grandchildren, Victoria Drumm, Miranda Drumm Champlain, Robert Bishop, and Lee R. Hall; as well as five great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews.
After graduating from college, the majority of his life was spent in Marion, Mass., where he was a long-time member of The Kittansett Club and St. Gabriels Episcopal Church. He moved to Rochester, Mass. upon retirement and the sale of The Hobby Horse.
He was unfailingly kind, generous and counselor to many who sought his advice. He was widely known for unexpected gifts of local produce and homemade cookies and the unexpected cards and letters. He treasured his many friendships throughout his life. He loved the quote by Sam Walter Foss: “Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man” and lived his life accordingly. He was a true friend and advisor to all who sought his company and advice. He was a true father to his stepchildren, who he never considered anything other than his own.
He was a driving force at Thayer academy. Was manager of his Dartmouth football team, and was very active on in working on The Dartmouth, a daily newspaper for that community. He was proud of his work on the paper, and spoke of it often. He was editor of his class yearbook at Thayer Academy. He had many lifelong friends, and was predeceased by most of them.
He was a true historian. Not only did he love discussing history, he loved reading and researching history. He was the same with family history, and loved to bring up old stories and events from his family’s history as well. He loved creating beautiful landscapes and maintaining his property like a park. This please both him, his family and passersby. He was a special man that won’t be forgotten.
He was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. Besides history and gardening, his lifelong passion was jazz music, which he continued to listen to and learn about until his last months of life. He was known for “Unky’s Lessons” which he freely bestowed to any young people he connected with.
Private services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family on the Tribute Wall of the Hill and Wood Funeral Service.
“Wherever you go your shadow falls on others
And they are either better or worse
For your presence.” -Robert E. Mower
