Robert Edward "Bob" Catherwood

Robert Edward “Bob” Catherwood passed away in the comfort of his home on December 4, 2023, with his wife, Ruth E. (Kincaid) (Douglass) Catherwood, by his side.

He was born in Lowell, MA, on August 10, 1946, the eldest child of William W. Catherwood Sr. and Grace (MacArthur) Catherwood. He grew up in Tewksbury, and lived many years in Billerica and Gloucester before moving to Virginia with his wife, Ruth, to enjoy their retirements.

Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany, guarding the Pershing Missile during the Vietnam War. He held careers as an auto mechanic and as a sheet metal machinist before working for and retiring from Amtrak.

Bob leaves behind his four children with first wife, Nancy E. (Burke) Catherwood: Faith E. (Catherwood) and spouse James M. Stevens, Robert B. Catherwood and spouse Nicole A. (Cataldo), Patrick E. Catherwood, and Melanie E. Catherwood and partner Derek M. Jones. He leaves a stepdaughter, Deborah A. (Douglass) and spouse Scott A. Guyer.

Bob had eight grandchildren, Derek J. and Ryan J. Stevens, Lucas O., Alessia Grace, Keira E. and Keegan Edward Catherwood, Evelyn Grace Jones, and Christopher J. (Guyer) and spouse Tiffany R. Pallazola.

He is also survived by his brother, William W. Catherwood Jr. and partner Gail Woodbury; his sister, Alice E. Merchant; his niece, Sarah E. Merchant; and his nephew and Godson, William Robert Catherwood and partner Lindsay Whiteway. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Harry D. Merchant. Bob also enjoyed many fun times with nieces and nephews Larry, Denise, Mary Alice, Wally and many more.

Bob’s passions of hunting, fishing, and raising his roosters were passed down from his father and shared with his children. His love of fishing was shared with his children and grandchildren. Bob was also an automobile and firearm enthusiast. He loved all dogs, but pitbulls were his favorite. In addition to his love of hunting, fishing, shooting and cars, Bob loved history, which he also shared with his children and grandchildren.

During his final years, Bob lived in Virginia with his wife, Ruth, enjoying “mountain” life, fishing, shooting and raising chickens.