Robert 'Bob' Kershaw age 79, died lovingly surrounded by family on April 30, 2024, at his home in Centerville, MA, after his brief battle with cancer.

Born December 21, 1944 to Stanley and Emma Mae Kershaw, Bob grew up in Saylesville, RI and enjoyed what he fondly recalls a very Ozzie and Harriet childhood and upbringing, marked by many good family memories, and harking back to a time when all kids roamed their neighborhoods, wild and free, getting into good old fashioned trouble until forced back inside for meatloaf dinner.

He graduated a record-holding track hurdler from Hope High in Providence, RI, earning himself the nickname 'Golden Legs', before trying on for size various higher education institutions, including Kent State in Ohio, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and then later graduating from University of Rhode Island.

He was husband to Rebecca Kershaw, his wife of 46 years whom he deeply loved until her death in 2021. Together they raised their two daughters in their home on Cape Cod, as well as their many dogs, cats and various other pets throughout the years.

Bob is survived by his daughters Megan and Meredith Kershaw, daughter Pam Nordstrom Chesavage, who he felt blessed to know only a few years prior to his death, sister Susan Brostoff, grandchildren Teodoro Andrés and Robert William de Soto, and numerous others.

To have known Bob is to celebrate him. He was a high quality human, with a big, kind heart and radio quality voice, who loved life - people, music, storytelling, sports talk, his Martha's Vineyard vacations, colorful characters, his family, grandchildren and grand dogs.

He knew purpose and pride in the institution of a restaurant, Sam Diego's, he helped create these last 42 years of his life and loved, at the heart of it all, his Sam Diego's 'Samily' - employees and long time customers turned good friends.

And as far as people, well, unless you were someone riding his bumper in traffic, or responsible for any number of the 'no trespassing' signs going up all along his favorite beaches to walk, it was rare to hear him speak poorly about anyone. That he chose to always see the good in others is, I think, a rarer gift than not.

He also had an incredible gift of gab, and a knack for telling stories that would draw you in and keep you listening. He recognized himself a fortunate man, one who laughed easily, liked life a bit on the edge(at least in his younger years), had dreams and accomplished them, felt peace with his life choices.

He wasn't perfect, knew the ways he could've been better, made mistakes and forgave himself.

For Bob the world was simply a mirror reflected back at you, the rule of thumb being what energy you put out there, you will receive back. It is one of the best lessons he taught his children.

These are just a few of the things to know, appreciate and recall fondly about him.

Those wishing to pay their respects will be able to do so Thursday, June 6, from 4-6 at Sam Diego's in Hyannis. A private event for close friends and family will follow afterwards.

In lieu of flower, and if feeling called, please make a donation in Bob's name to either of these 2 local and deserving Cape non-profits:

Vinegrass (in supporting under-served kids on Cape with instruments and music lessons)

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7T2KFFDZ4R4AJ

or Cape Wellness Collaborative, offering support to those with cancer via access to free holistic and alternative services and home-made food service delivery.

https://capewellness.app.neoncrm.com/forms/15