PEABODY, MA - Robert Bruce Cargen, age 80, passed away on August 3, 2020 peacefully at home with family after a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer.
Anyone who knew Bob knew that he was the most loving husband and father a family could ask for. He was a humble man of integrity and will be deeply missed. Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Eileen Guiney Cargen (formerly of Flourtown, PA); sister Dayle DiGiorgio and her husband Gene of Philadelphia, PA; daughters Colleen Cargen Andreasse and her husband John of Newmarket, NH and Michelle Cargen Jones and her husband Allen of Moretown, VT; and five grandchildren, Catie, Morgan, Robert, Trey and Owen.
Born in Darby, PA, Bob spent his childhood in Ashland, NJ and his summers in West Wildwood, NJ, where he developed his love of the water - fishing, crabbing, and water skiing. Bob was a proud graduate of Rutgers University, where he majored in Business Management. As an adult, Bob became an avid sailor and especially enjoyed his many sailing adventures with his father, uncles and cousins.
Bob’s love of sailing was only out-done by his love for family - both immediate and extended. His life was blessed with many uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, all in the greater South Jersey/Philadelphia area. He was never more happy than when he was with family and on the water.
Bob's lifelong passion for music began as a child when he learned to play the accordion. Throughout Bob’s life, he shared his love of music with friends and family at special gatherings. He was known as the ‘accordion man’ in his later years when he arranged music and entertained as part of a strummers band.
Bob was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era, stationed in Fort Hood, TX. After discharge in 1963, Bob returned to ARI / Holman Enterprises, where he worked for 42 years until his retirement in 2002.
ARRANGEMENTS: Due to COVID 19 restrictions his funeral will be private and a celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Brooksby Village Student Scholarship Fund, Philanthropy Fund, 200 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA 01960. Sharing written remembrances and condolences, during this time will be essential in helping Bob’s family reminisce, celebrate and heal. We encourage you to share your memories by visiting his eternal tribute at www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
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