Robert J. Small
September 14, 1935–July 15, 2025

The family of Robert James Small sadly announces his passing on July 15, 2025. Born in Hanover, PA, Robert was the son of the late Francis W. Small and Lorena G. (Zartman) Small Sentz. After moving to Golden, CO, where he graduated high school, Bob enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served on the cutter McCullough during the Korean War. A skilled electronics technician, he worked first for RCA and then for LeFebure Corporation until his retirement in 1990. He lived in Canton, MA, where he coached and played on multiple softball teams, and eventually settled in Lakeville, MA. Bob was an avid saltwater fisherman who spent many nights and weekends on every beach from Boston Harbor to Provincetown. Three generations of anglers owe their foundation in the pastime to Bob.

Mr. Small leaves four children: Rose Bernard of New London, NH, and her former husband Lawrence of Canton, MA, Steven T. Small and his wife Elyse of Land of Lakes FL, William C. Small of Lakeville, MA, and Sarah C. Titus and her husband Gary of Canton. He leaves three stepchildren: Michael J. Canale and his wife Allison of Belgrade Lakes, ME, Brian E. Canale and his wife Theresa of Marlboro, MA, and Nancy C. Patterson of Duxbury MA.  He also leaves six grandchildren: Casey Bernard, Shannon Bernard, Louis Titus and his fiancée Geralyn Comer, Caroline Titus, Benjamin Small and Hannah Small and one great-granddaughter, Nora Titus. Robert was preceded in death by his wives Rosalie A. (White) Small and Carolyn A. (Linehan) Canale as well as his three siblings–Jean F. Zinn, Larry B. Small of Spring Grove, PA and Gordon E. Small of McSherrystown, PA.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, take a kid fishing.