Robert Burns Emery

November 24, 2025

Robert Burns Emery of Spencer, MA died after year’s of declining health due to dementia, he was cared for and is survived by his loving wife, Audrey of 68 years, whom he always put first in all of his life decisions and whom he adored.

Bob is also survived by 3 children, 8 grand-children, 4 great-great grandchildren. Son Mark (Lisa) of Myrtle Beach, SC and their children Jessica, Rachel, Alex. Daughter Joyce of Grafton, MA and her children Matthew, Hannah, Daniel. Daughter Kristin (Jay) of Palm Harbor, FL and their children Evan and Julia. In addition he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Bruce (Colleen) Emery of NC. And many nieces, nephews, his cousin Roberta (Lundburg) Keenan of Upton, her children Bill and Nancy Keenan, Skip and Julie Homel close family friends of Pembroke, MA. He is pre-deceased by his parents Burns and Ethel, youngest brother Allen, sister-in-law Sally and their son Kenneth, aunts and uncles, cousins and many friends.

Bob was born December 25, 1937, a Christmas baby in Hanson, MA. He attended school in Hanson thru Jr. High, onto Whitman for High School where he was a football player and Audrey a cheerleader.  He became an Eagle Scout within the Boy Scouts.   He attended Stockbridge Agricultural College, Amherst, MA. He then joined the United States Army, served with the 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC. He worked in transportation for The Teamsters Union Local 325, driving tandem trailer trucks both short and long haul receiving multiple awards for his stellar safety driving record. He also earned his Captain’s license as a Commercial off-shore Lobsterman, had two boats, (The Terr-Aud, The Midnight Rider) both out of Plymouth, MA harbor and also had a Seafood restaurant, Lobsters Etc., in Carver, MA.

Bob loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed being their sounding board, hearing about their latest adventures and achievements.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers (www.t2t.com) or Wounded Warriors or the St. Joseph’s Native American School for Children or St. Jude’s all of Bob’s charities he supported throughout his life. Funds will support Veteran’s and deserving children in need. In addition, the family would also like to thank Bob Carlson aka “Bob the Vet” whom came to his house as a respite home health aid provided by the VA but had quickly become Bob’s highlight each week on the days of his visit’s - bringing great laughs, discussions that delighted Bob.  He always looked forward to each week's visits.  Also, they would like to thank the Holden Senior Center for all of their support. Lastly, they would like to thank the Veteran’s Administration for offering the incredible free elder care in his home that made his last year’s happier, more manageable for his wife Audrey and daughter Joyce as they together cared for Bob and kept him safe and happily at home for his final years. The family is having a private graveside service and a celebration of life in June.