Robert E. Sowersby

Robert E. Sowersby, age 88, of Fall River, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Wilde) Sowersby to whom he had been married for 67 years.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late William O. Sowersby and Mildred (Collins) Sowersby.

A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, Robert went on to join the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. After leaving the service, Robert worked at Firestone Rubber before owning the Rolling Rock Spa for 4 years.

As an antique dealer and auctioneer for more than 50 years, Robert owned and operated both Gray Barn Antiques and Sowersby’s Auctions. He was a member of the New England Appraiser’s Association and a lifetime member of the Fall River Historical Society, as well as a lifetime member of the Fall River Elks Lodge #118.

He coached in the American Little League for 10 years and was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He enjoyed vacationing with his family in Provincetown over the past 40 years where he made many lifelong friends. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides his devoted wife, Robert is survived by his children; Robert J. Sowersby of New Bedford and his former wife Gail of Fall River, Linda S.Ried and her late husband Peter of Fall River, Russell A. Sowersby of Fall River, Susan B. Bishop and her husband David of Dartmouth and Lisa A.S. Arruda and her husband Gary of Dartmouth; Sister, Jean R. Bolton; brothers Paul R. and Neil M. Sowersby; His nine grandchildren include Chad Sowersby and his wife Amy, Kyle Sowersby and his wife Kheley, Kelly Abbott and her husband David, Gillian and Alexander Ried, Russell E. Sowersby, Nicole and David J. “DJ” Bishop and Cory Arruda. He also has nine great-grandchildren, Olivia, Peyton, Liam, Charlie, Piper, Greyson, Isabella, Madison and Cayson as well as several nieces and nephews. Robert was the brother of the late Ethel M. Kenyon and William O. Sowersby.

His Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020 from 12:00-2:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM in Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Due to current occupancy restrictions, please be mindful that guests may have to wait outside while others pay their respects. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s honor may be made to the 2018 David J. Bishop Trust, c/o David Bishop, P.O. Box 70772, North Dartmouth, MA 02747.