US Army veteran who served in the Korean War
MELROSE — Robert “Bob” Arnold Cox, 91, of Bedford, NH, originally from Melrose, peacefully joined his heavenly Father August 16 surrounded by his loved ones. He was the beloved husband of 68 years of Nancy M. (Sowerder) Cox of Bedford, NH and formerly of Melrose. Loving father of Stephanie M. Guidetti and her husband Larry of York, ME; Robert M. Cox and his wife Suzanne of San Francisco CA; Suzanne H. Hand and her husband Robert of York, ME; and Daniel A. Cox and his wife Marybeth of Bedford, NH. Proud grandfather of Geoffrey Guidetti, Gillian Guidetti, Gregory Hand, Caroline Hand, Jennifer Cox, and Andrew Cox; and four amazing great-grandchildren Genevieve, Zariah, Kit and Maeve. Son of Fabian Kenneth Cox and Helen (Sullivan) Cox and Brother of the late Fabian and Kenneth Cox.
Bob was a state and New England champion hockey player for Melrose High School and was inducted into the Melrose High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. Bob later played college hockey for Tufts University. He was truly an amazing youth athlete who excelled at every sport to include tennis, baseball and horseshoes. He served with distinction in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge as a member of the 45th Infantry division and numerous accommodations as he proudly served the country he loved so deeply.
Bob worked for the New England Telephone Company for 42 years. Bob was also an enthusiastic hockey coach to countless Melrose youth hockey players and coached the Massachusetts College of Art hockey program. He and his cherished wife Nancy spent his retirement years in Leesburg, FL before returning home to New England and to his final resting place in the treasured hometown of Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, Robert would be honored if donations were made to the Honor Flight Bluegrass organization at https://www.honorflightbluegrass.org who’s mission is to pay homage to those who served in the United States armed forces.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 23 at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment with Military Honors to follow the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.