Robert Francis Williams, 84, of Dennis, a crafty Wiffleball pitcher, somewhat lousy golfer, and an aficionado of Three Buck Chuck, passed away on Monday December 21, 2020.

He loved his family, his ride-on lawnmower, and was noted for his creative use of epithets when he was trying to start that dang chainsaw.

Bob's biggest athletic regret was failing to complete a triple play while he was a third baseman for the Mauro's Market Marauders, in a men's softball league. He often re-lived the play, describing how he snagged a line drive, landed on third base - instantly recording two outs – and then throwing the ball over the second baseman's head into centerfield. After several decades of stewing, he was ultimately able to laugh about it.

Born in Medford, Bob grew up in Swampscott. He was a true success story of the G.I. Bill. After serving in the U.S. Army, in post-war Germany, he headed to UMass Amherst with “a sock of pennies” for spending money. There, he met and married Judith Nolet and ultimately moved to her hometown of Southborough. For most of his career, Bob worked as a purchasing agent for Badger Engineering, Inc. in Cambridge. That job gave him the opportunity to travel the world.

Bob loved the Red Sox, prime rib and walking up streams in Vermont, wearing an old pair of sneakers. He was once attacked by a pickerel at Silver Lake in Barnard, Vermont, a harrowing tale that grew in size and danger over the years. He was a huge fan of the humorist Jean Shepherd, best known as the writer and narrator of the movie "A Christmas Story."

He retired to Dennis to pursue his passion for golf and the beach. He escaped many winters to Marco Island, Florida with his good friend Ann.

Bob was a father who was always there when you needed him and will be greatly missed. He is survived his daughter, Kristen Caira and her husband, Greg of Marshfield; his son, Eric Williams and his wife, K.C. Myers of Wellfleet; his two grandchildren, Diana and Tess Williams of Wellfleet; and his brother, Richard Williams of Winchester. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Jeanette Williams, and his former wife, Judith.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the spring. In the meantime, please practice a random act of kindness this holiday season in Bob’s name.

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