Robert Bruce Behnke

Lexington, MA

Robert Bruce Behnke died quietly on September 2 at his home in Lexington, MA after a period of poor health.

Born in Cambridge MA on August 13, 1946, he was the son of the late Albert and Marian (Boutellier) Behnke and moved, with his family, to Lexington in 1951, where he spent his entire life. Bob graduated from Lexington High School in 1965 and went to work as a machine operator at Carr Fastener of Billerica. Carr eventually became a division of TRW, which Bob left as a senior tool and die maker.

Bob was the devoted husband of the former Rita Campbell, of Bedford MA, to whom he was married for thirty years when she passed away in 2004. Although Bob and Rita had no children of their own, they were very close to their nieces and nephews; Amy Campbell of Bedford MA, Deborah Colpitts of Temple NH, James Colpitts of Peterborough NH, Cathy Maki of Jaffrey NH, Kelly Nolan of Somerville MA, and Christopher and Elizabeth Payne of Bedford MA. Bob and Rita had a vacation camp in Henniker NH, which was a getaway for them and their extended family and where they enjoyed pleasant times and made many close friends. Bob was an avid sportsman and an ardent Red Sox and Bruins fan.

He is survived by his mother, Marian of Lexington MA; an aunt, Jean Boutellier of Wakefield MA; a cousin, Kevin Boutellier of Wakefield MA; a cousin, Brian Boutellier of Haverhill MA. His sister Barbara Colpitts of Jaffrey NH predeceased him in 2006. He will be missed by his close friend Loretta Silva of Lexington MA, along with many distant relatives and good friends.

Memorial gifts may be sent, in Bob's name, to the Animal Rescue League of Greater Boston or to the charity of one's choice.



Following cremation, a graveside service will be held on Monday, November 2 at 12:30 pm. at Westview Cemetery in Lexington.