Robert D. Fernald, age 80 of Norwell, formerly of Mashpee, MA passed away peacefully on April 10, 2022 after a brief illness.

Bob was born in Cambridge, MA to Catherine S. and Harold T. Fernald. After graduating from Weymouth High School, he went on to study civil engineering at Northeastern University. Bob’s professional career began at Whitman and Howard, Inc. as a land surveyor and was employed at several other engineering firms on the South Shore and Cape Cod, taking great pride in pointing out notable buildings and landmarks that he surveyed.

Bob married Dorothy Frederick of Weymouth, MA in 1964 and they had two children, Kristine (Fernald) Wolf of Norwell, MA and Erik Fernald of Smyrna, GA. He and his family moved to Mashpee in the early seventies where he spent the majority of his professional career working as an engineering aide for the Town of Yarmouth. He loved all sports but especially enjoyed watching the Red Sox and the Patriots. While in Rockland, he volunteered for the Jaycee and played on softball leagues with friends and co-workers. After moving to Cape Cod, he was an active member of the Town of Mashpee Recreation Department and volunteered as a little league umpire. He shared an appreciation for art with his wife, Dottie, and this led to weekend excursions to all kinds of art galleries and several memorable trips to Europe. He was very proud of, and had a keen interest in the Fernald family genealogy. Bob was known for his clever puns as well as his impeccable handwriting. He retired in 2003 and this availed time for him to enjoy dinner with friends, celebrating birthdays and holidays with family, and traveling around Cape Cod to watch the Cotuit Kettleers during the summer months.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Catherine S. and Harold T. Fernald. Also, his brother Richard Fernald and sister Janet (Fernald) Josimovich. He is survived by Kristine and Ted Wolf of Norwell, MA and Erik and Rachel Fernald of Smyrna, GA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Phoebe and Henry Wolf and Aidan and William Fernald, as well as 10 nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Ancient Cemetery in Yarmouth on Saturday, April 16 at 11am.

Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I worked with Bob at Yarmouth Engineering Dept. From ‘86-88’. He was the guardian of the Town Assessor’s Map’s when I was there, and did all changes to the Town’s Map’s, which were hand drafted. He did run our transit in the field on occasion, and was also heavily involved with the employee Union. Again very sorry to here of Bob’s passing. I was in Europe when the ceremony was held. Ron Cadillac, pls, rs