Robert "Bob" Jean, of late at Sunrise at Gardner Park, Peabody, peacefully entered eternal rest on November 16, with family at his side.

Predeceased by the love of his life, Rita (Martin). Married for 66 years, they made their home in Salem and raised six sons – David and his wife Mary Ann of Amesbury; Paul and Patricia of Madison, NH; Marc and Linda of Danvers; Denis and Deb of Salisbury; Donald and Jacqueline of Kingston, NH and Robert and Barbara of Peabody. Ten grandchildren – Peter and Bridget Jean, Lauren Santagate and Benjamin Jean, Curtis, Travis, Eric, Christopher, Nicholas and Alex Jean. Six Great-Grandchildren – Elsa, Mack and Presley Santagate, Olivia Jean, Isla Jean and Maren Jean.

Born and raised in Salem, Bob was the youngest of the twelve children of David Jean and Amanda (Desjardins) Jean. Predeceased by nine sisters –Eva Chouinard, Cecile Jean, Antoinette Anderson, Gertrude Martin, Gemma Lyon, Theresa Berube, Clemence Jean, Jacqueline Dowdell, Margaret Follett and two brothers Thomas Jean and Louis Jean

He grew up during the Great Depression, and left Salem High School to join U.S. Navy (44-46). Proudly serving in WWII in the South Pacific theater. Bob spoke little of his service, with the exception of the warm South Pacific climate, the Typhoon of 1944 and the sadness he saw while stationed with the occupation force in postwar Italy. Always willing to help out family, friends and neighbors. He represented the Greatest Generation well.

Bob was a talented baseball player gifted with an accurate arm. His play at third base in an abbreviated High School career got him noticed. Upon his return from the Navy, he resumed his play for the local Legion All Star team. In 1949 Bob was invited to Shibe Park for a tryout with the Philadelphia Athletics and was assigned to the Moultrie (GA) Athletics, and later the Tarboro (NC) Athletics. Injuries forced an end to his baseball dream. Bob was an avid Yankees fan. Humble, kind and a true gentleman. Enjoyed time with his family, friends, baseball, hot summer days and the beach. Bob was also renowned for his famous cheese dip appetizer.

Over his career, Bob was employed at IBM, Holyoke Mutual Ins. and Salem State University

Viewing hours will be at Murphy Funeral Home in Salem, on Tuesday, November 23, from 3-7. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Salem at 10:30 on Wednesday, November 24. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of J. Robert Jean to: Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For more information or online guestbook please call 978-744-4097 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com.