Robert E. Blood

Peterborough, NH – Robert E. Blood, 90, of Peterborough, NH, formerly of Townsend, MA & Estero FL, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in Groton on February 16, 1933, a son of the late William N. and Mildred I. (Holt) Blood. He proudly served his country in the US Army in occupied Germany as well as the Naval Reserves during the Korean War until his honorable discharge. Bob spent his career working for Metropolitan Life in both sales and underwriting, retiring in 1991 after 23 years. After retirement he enjoyed a second career in landscaping, working both on his own and with Jaclyn Leflem to beautify local homes. Bob was particularly adept at executing wife JoAnn’s latest vision for their yard. A farm boy at heart, he was happiest outdoors. Always active, he was a member of the Metropolitan Veteran’s Group and the Peterborough Historical Society. He loved to work out & play tennis at Hampshire Hills and the Monadnock Indoor Tennis Club in Peterborough. Bob & JoAnn were pickleball ‘early adopters’, installing a permanent court in their driveway in 1993. An avid walker, neighbors and friends could watch a determined Bob briskly charging up the hill with his favorite dogs in tow (or towing him), every morning. Many of us called Bob a ‘dog whisperer’, for he had a deep connection with his many canine companions. When he and JoAnn first married they had spaniels Yankee and Rusty, then poodle ‘Poosie’, and finally schnauzer ‘Commander Spock’. His favorite neighborhood dogs - Griffey, Lightning & Buddy - were often by his side. He was never without a dog to love and to be loved by. He also leaves behind many great friends and wonderful, memorable staff from RiverMead where he would drum, workout, play billiards and of course, walk & hike. A common sight at RiverMead was Bob on the NuStep bike - for hours. A Yankee fan in Red Sox territory, life was not always easy for Bob. But he and his Red Sox friends enjoyed a friendly rivalry with a hefty dose of pitcher & standings trash talk. You know who you are! He is survived by his son, Robert E. Blood, Jr. and wife Elzbieta of Waldorf, Maryland; his daughter, Cathleen Blood and husband Jeffrey of Cos Cob, CT; five grandchildren; Aimee Cotton, Robert E. Blood III, Alice Bardos, Cas Bardos, Sophie Bardos; six great grandchildren, Grace Cotton, Caroline Cotton, Samuel Cotton, Owen Cotton, Silas and Rowan Blood; his brother William Blood of Londonderry, NH, and dozens of nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, JoAnne M. (Barrett) Blood on July 18, 2023, his siblings Allen Blood in 2014, Richard Blood in 2017, Carol Toomey in 2023, and great grandson Jackson Cotton. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the Woodlawn Cemetery, 40 Heald St., Pepperell on October 14, at 11:00am. Bob’s nephew Jeffrey Blood will lead the family in prayer. The family will gather informally after the service at Franny’s Diner in Pepperell (AKA ‘The Spa’) for lunch & to reminisce. The Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend, is assisting the family. We truly appreciate your cards & notes, but in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the organizations that meant a lot to Bob and the Blood family: the DanaFarber Jimmy Fund www.jimmyfund.org where brother Allen was treated, the Animal Rescue League of NH, www.rescueleague.org in memory of Bob’s love for his dogs, or to the Fairbanks House, part of the Blood family history, https://fairbankshouse.org

Tributes

Robert E. Blood

February 16, 1933 - September 25, 2023