Robert L. Stearns

Robert Lewis Stearns (1941-2024)

Robert L. Stearns, 82, of Newton, MA, entered into rest at home on July 17, 2024.

Bob was born in Boston in 1941 to Dr. Samuel and Jeanette Stearns. After graduation from Newton High School, he earned a BA in psychology at the University of Rochester and his MBA at Boston University. He had a twenty-five year career at Bank of Boston, where he directed branch operations. He subsequently owned a small business and later worked as a senior management consultant for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. He formerly served as president of Boston Neighborhood Housing Services and the Boston Natural Areas Fund. He was an adjunct faculty member in the MBA program at Babson College and taught a capstone course at Newbury College. In retirement he enjoyed fishing, and remained an avid duplicate bridge player (Life Master). He was a valued member of the Board of Trustees at Cabot Estate where he lived for nineteen years before he and Barbara moved to Nahanton Woods.

Bob is survived by his cherished life-long partner Barbara Passman; children Daniel (Susan) and Debra (DJ) Watts and their mother, Harriet; his sister Ellen and her husband Steve; step-sons Jay (Amy) and Darin (Jessica) Goldberg; grandchildren Zach, Oscar, and Jacob; nieces Mara and Leah; other family members include Andrea Passman (Scot) Candell and their children Zach and Jake.

Graveside service to be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 10:45 am at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street in Sharon. Shiva will be observed in the Activity Room at Nahanton Woods following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies.