Robert C. “Bob” Eldred, Jr. passed away in the comfort of his home Sunday evening, January 17, at the age of 72.  

Bob was born in Mineola, New York, on November 5, 1943, to Robert C. Eldred, Sr. and Edna Miller Eldred. He moved to East Dennis at the age of one and attended the Ezra Baker School. He was a graduate of Proctor Academy and the Middlebury College Class of 1965. While at Middlebury he entered the ROTC program, and upon graduation he served his country with honor in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart as a First Lieutenant in the 173rd Airborne.
 
Upon his return to the States, he was stationed inPittsfield, Mass., where he would meet the love of his life and future wife of 46 years, Mary Ann Giddings. After a brief career at International Silver, Bob returned to Cape Cod to join his father’s antiques and fine art auction firm. At Eldred’s, Bob had a distinguished career spanning five decades and helped the firm rise to one of the top regional auction houses in the country.  

In retirement Bob spent his days curating his extensive collection of books and serving as a Trustee of The Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Over his lifetime Bob was giving with his time, serving on numerous charitable boards including The Jacob Sears Memorial Library in East Dennis, The Atwood House Museum in Chatham, the Dennis Historical Society, and the Cape Playhouse’s Raymond Moore Foundation. He was a fixture every summer calling the annual Dennis Union Church Auction on the Dennis Village Green. He was also a longtime volunteer call firefighter and EMT in Dennis. 

Bob is survived by a large family including his wife Mary Ann, his children Joshua Eldred of Brewster (Sarah) and Sarah Taylor of East Dennis (Eric), and grandchildren Loring, Maxwell, Soren, and Elianna. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Erwin-Stephan of Germany, his stepsiblings John and Sue Schofield of Dennis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Calling hours are Tuesday, January 26, from 3-6 pm at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., S. Yarmouth. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Wednesday, January 27, at The Dennis Union Church, 713 Main Street, Dennis. A reception will follow at Eldred’s Auction, 1483 Main Street, East Dennis, to share memories of Bob. To celebrate his spirit, please feel free to wear your favorite bowtie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cape Cod Maritime Museum, PO Box 443, Hyannis, MA 02601, or the Dennis Firefighters Association, PO Box 345, West Dennis, MA 02670.

Mary Ann: we were so terribly saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was truly an outstanding man and tremendous figure in the community. I will always remember how generously he gave of his time at the Dennis Union Church auction yearly. It was such a joy to sit and watch him work the auction. Truly he was the highlight of each year's auction. We send our love to you at this time. Bob will never be forgotten by us and so many others, but we will feel his absence in the days to come.

I've known Bob for about 60 yrs. I was an usher in his wedding. He was my best man in my wedding. We watched Josh and Sarah grow up. My wonderful memories are the following: Sailing, Playing in the pool, Clamming, Oystering, Collecting items for sale in the business, Card games (Hearts), Borrowing tools, Physically moving things around, Just palling around. You were always there for me. It was a fun trip. So long Bob. I will miss you terribly.

Dear Mary Ann and Family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of our dear friend Bob. May the Good Lord, give you strength and courage at this difficult time. May his soul R.I.P. Arthur Bresnahan and Family

Mary Ann and the Eldred family: Kasey and I were so sorry to hear of Your loss.. We had the great pleasure over the years too have the friendship of u both as well as seeing u all at our DPM or as Bob would say back in the day "LOUIES" It's never easy losing a friend and we will remember his friendship. May Bobs memory be everlasting... ( Jim and Kasey Terpos)

My sincere sympathy and condolences to Bob's family on this sad occasion.