Robert Edwards Obituary

Edwards, Robert E. of Lexington, October 26, 2022. Beloved husband of Francine C. Edwards (Corcoran). Loving father of Paul R. Edwards and his wife Justine of Albany, NY, and Carolyn E. Zuena and her husband John of Burlington. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Matt, Joshua, and Nicole.

Bob was born in Oneonta, NY, the only child of Ora (Todd) and Earle Edwards. He graduated from Oneonta High School and attended Union College on a full scholarship. After applying for a Navy commission, he was drafted into the Army, then transferred to the Army Air Corps. His Navy commission then came through and he was sworn in as a Lt. J.G. in the Navy and served as a Radar/Sonar Specialist during World War II.

Bob always had an interest in science. After winning first prize in his High School Science fair, he was invited to perform in the Westinghouse High Voltage exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair. There he demonstrated a working Tesla Coil which he had built.

In 1947, Bob was hired at Raytheon where he spent 43 years. His major achievements included working on the Hawk and Patriot missles, as well as the development of the microwave oven for home use.

After his retirement Bob volunteered for the Collings Foundation restoring World War II airplanes. He also volunteered at the Raytheon Archives. Using items from the archives, Bob co-wrote a book "Raytheon Company: The First Sixty Years". He helped run the FixIt shop at the Lexington Community Center for over 20 years. This center served elderly residents in repairing household items. Bob served on the board of the Lexington Veterans Association for many years. He was a member of the Lexington Remembers Committee and filmed over 50 programs for local cable television focusing on various Lexington history and personalities.

In recognition of all his volunteer work for the Lexington Community, Bob was presented with the Minuteman Cane Award in 2010. In 2016, Bob was selected to be added to the wall of distinction at Oneonta High School for his lifetime achievements.

Bob was a lifetime member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Funeral from the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington Saturday November 5th at 9am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Brigid Church, Lexington at 10am. Visiting hours at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington Friday from 4pm to 7pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Donations in his memory may be made to The Fix-It Shop, Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Rd. Lexington, MA 02421. Interment Westview Cemetery, Lexington.