Robert C. Combe

DANVERS – Mr. Robert C. Combe, 82, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 26th, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Charles V. and Josephine (Sheehy) Combe. He was the loving husband of Joyce P. (Burgess) Combe, with whom he celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Robert received his Bachelor of Arts and Languages from Iona College, in New Rochelle, NY before going on to obtain a Master's of Guidance and Counseling from Salem State College in Salem, Ma. Both degrees served him well as he entered into the field of education. He spent 4 years as an instructor of Romance Languages at the former Keith Academy in Lowell, Ma. The next 31 years of his career he both taught and served in the guidance department of St Johns Preparatory School, eventually earning the title of Director of Guidance, a position he held until his retirement. The impact he had on the young men who were his advisees is immeasurable. Many who speak of him share that they appreciated his authenticity, compassion, wisdom, and desire to understand and know his students well. He earned affectionate nicknames such as Bobby C and the Wizard of O-Z. He dedicated his life to education for its ability to dispel ignorance and deepen our understanding of what it means to answer the call to love one another and be affirming of all people's humanity.

Bob lived joyfully. He loved to travel both domestically and abroad, earning him the nickname. 'The happy wanderer'. When his two girls were young, he planned two cross-country trips, eager to introduce his family to the wonders of this great nation. In his retirement years he became an RV enthusiast traveling up and down the east coast with his wife, in their luxury mobile home. He loved music both listening to it (all genres) and performing as well. He was an inaugural member of the acapella group at St. John's Prep known as Swing Town. His favorite song to sing during their stage performances was Dapper Dan, he enjoyed hamming it up and showcasing his deep sonorous bass. Bob loved to swim and loved to host friends and entertain, but his most profound sense of joy and contentment came from spending time with his family and watching them flourish.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce (Burgess) Combe, his two daughters Kerriann Combe-Taylor and her husband Sean Taylor of Beverly, MA, Kendra Lee Combe-Raymond and her husband John Raymond of Danvers, MA. His 4 grandchildren, Joseph Robert Raymond, Ainsley Olivia Raymond, Patrick William Taylor, and Kahlaan Taylor. As well as his sister Maryanne Wohlever and her husband James of Brookfield, CT as well as many nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass which will be held at St. Richard Parish, 90 Forest St, Danvers, on Wednesday, May 31st at 10 A.M. The family will receive from 9 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Central Cemetery, 60 Hale St, Beverly. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made is Robert's name to Saint John Prep, 72 Spring Street, Danvers, MA 01923, https://www.stjohnsprep.org/giving/annual-giving.  Assisting the family with arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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