Salem, MA – Robert Daniel Comer, age 58, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at his home.  Son of the late Henry Bryant Comer and Marjorie Belle (Pierce) Comer, and lifelong companion to Kerri Rowand, Robert was born and raised in Salem.  He attended Salem High School, where he was a member of the choir and played in the band with Kerri.  Upon graduating in 1979, he enlisted in the Army and served within the Army Signal Corps.  He worked on NATO's communications during the Gulf War.  After an honorable discharge in 1988, Robert continued to live and work in Europe as a defense contractor until 2005 when he returned to the United States.   He then began working as a chef, and spent time in the kitchens of The Spirit of Boston, Salem State College, Saltonstall School and Salem Hospital.  He was also the chef for the Center for Addictive Behavior in Lynn.

Robert was very involved with the Oddfellows, and was a Past Noble Grand of Fraternity Lodge 118 as well as a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Robert is survived by his lifelong companion Kerri Rowand of Salem, as well as: his daughter Samantha Comer and her husband Andy of Eckernförde, Germany; his son Benjamin Comer of Lynn; his daughter Alyssa Rowand of Salem; his son Adam Rowand of Lynn; his sister Barbara Comer Resnick of Salem; his sister Debra Comer Mallon of Beverly; his brother Richard Comer and his wife Annette of Waltham;  his grandchildren, Emma and Anthony Bartels and Nolan Comer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Comer, formerly of Salem.

Visitation for Robert will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 4 to 7PM with a brief Oddfellows service at 7PM, at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970.  Interment will be private at the request of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Activity Fund of the Oddfellows Home of Massachusetts, 104 Randolph Road, Worcester , MA 01606.  For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.