Robert F. "Pappy" Prentiss, (88) of Danvers passed away peacefully with his family by his side on the morning of Monday December 17, 2018. Robert was born and raised in Ipswich by his parents Walter R. and Myra B. (Parsons) Prentiss.

Robert was a star basketball player at Ipswich High School. He enlisted in the Navy and served his country for four years during the Korean War. Upon his return, he married the love of his life Ruth A. (Crowley) and they were married for 64 years.

Robert began his family with Ruth in North Salem and he worked as a mechanic in the sheet metal industry on the North Shore. Outside of his work, he was an avid sailor as he sailed every river in Danvers and shared his love of nature with everyone he knew while camping throughout the New England area. Robert will be truly missed by all who knew him. He was a caring friend, but most importantly, a loving husband and father to his family.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Ruth A. (Crowley) Prentiss; his children Diane Lafond and her husband Peter of North Andover, Paul Prentiss and his wife Susan of Marlton, NJ, Stephen Prentiss and wife Robin of Killington, VT, David Prentiss and his wife Lucy Iannotti of New Bedford, Joanne Hellested and her husband Leo of Exeter, RI,  and Susan Prentiss of Boston; his grandchildren Sean, Joseph, Derek, Lucie, Nicholas, Jocelyn, Julia, and Anders, and many nieces and nephews. Robert is predeceased by his siblings George, Marjorie, and Ruth, and his grandson Christopher.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will take place on Wednesday December 19, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home located at 85 Federal St. Salem. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday December 20, 2018 ay 10:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, located at 1 Margin St, Peabody, MA 01960. The family is grateful for the loving care and support of the staff at Care Dimensions. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert's memory can be made to Care Dimensions 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Burial will take place on Friday December 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Cowles-Highland Cemetery located at 29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneraHome.com or call 978-744-0497.