Northborough – The Rev. Dr. Robert Earl Aspinwall, age 93, of Northborough, MA, beloved husband of deceased Lois M. (Washburn) Aspinwall, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Bob was born in Providence, RI on April 9, 1930, the son of the late John and Emily Aspinwall. He grew up in Providence and received his Bachelor’s degree from Gordon College. As a life-long learner he received a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Doctorate at Andover Newton Theological School.
Bob was a pastor serving American Baptist Churches (ABC) in East Winthrop, ME, Millbury and Waltham, MA, and Plaistow, NH. During retirement he lived in Nashua, NH with Lois and most recently he lived in Northborough, MA.
Bob met the love of his life, Lois, at Gordon College. They eventually married on June 19, 1954 sharing 63 wonderful years together.
While serving as a pastor, he was a chaplain at a state hospital and a VA hospital. He taught classes at the Ocean Park Youth Conference and later became the Dean of Instruction. Bob was awarded the Kenneth Cober Award at the National Convention for developing an innovative program of lay education. He was involved in denominational activities at the regional and national level.
During retirement he was an Interim Pastor in Plaistow, NH.
He will be missed and remembered by his family that include three children, Sharon L. Chin and her husband David of Northborough, MA, David Aspinwall and his wife Laurie of Danville, NH and Douglas Aspinwall of Greenfield, MA; four grandchildren, Dustin Chin, Andrew Chin and his wife Marisa, and Matthew and Hannah Aspinwall; great-grandchildren Olive and Ramona Chin; and niece and nephews.
Bob was devoted to his family. Generous, thoughtful, insightful. He was known for his dry, witty sense of humor. He enjoyed classical music. He was an avid reader of thought-provoking books as well as mysteries and historical books. His hobbies included woodworking, making furniture, and remodeling projects either at home or at churches he served. Vacations were often spent camping in New England with Howard and Amy Washburn and their three boys. The tradition of camping continued into early retirement when the grandchildren went on camping trips with Grammie and Grandpa. He was thrilled to spend time and hold his great granddaughters.
All are invited to honor Bob’s life at Trinity Church, 23 Main Street, Northborough, MA on Friday, February 16th at 11 a.m. A visiting hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will precede the service. A light luncheon in the church hall will follow the memorial service. Interment will take place at a later date at Lakenham Cemetery in North Carver, MA.
Donations may be made in his memory to American Baptist Churches Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO). https://www.abc-usa.org/giving/ways-to-give/ Online giving, select “Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering”. Website provides address for gifts made by check and note RMMO.
Arrangements are in the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA. www.haysfuneralhome.com
