Robert G. Shamroth

Robert (Bob) Shamroth, 84, of Topsfield, MA, passed away, May 26, 2025, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bob is survived by his wonderful wife, Dodds, to whom he was married for 55 years. He said she always watched over him like a hawk, and if he had to go shopping for a wife again, he would pick only Dodds. He is also survived by this two exceptional loving daughters, Jill Reiff and Lori Shamroth, who guided him in his elderly years. He often remarked just how lucky he was to have such incredible children, as well as his son-in-law, Scott Reiff, who always uses his mechanical expertise to help with any project. Bob was blessed with three grandchildren, Logan and Brooke Reiff, and Eden Shamroth, who made him so proud. He and his sister, Carolyn Shamroth Kroll, stayed close throughout the years. They would speak frequently discussing their everyday lives, always trying to make them better for each other. Together, he thought they did a very good job. His brother-in-law, Arnold J. Kroll, M.D., was always willing to discuss current events. Their younger daughter, Debra Kroll, M.D., and her children, Josh and Sam, were frequent visitors from New York. Bob described their older daughter, Cindy Kroll, who lives locally, as a delight. His brother-in-law, Mike Bloomgarden, from Chestertown, MD, would talk many hours on the phone on any subject you might choose. Niece, Gail Torkildsen, M.D. and, her husband, Hon. Peter Torkildsen, along with daughter, Maggie, were always there when you needed them.

Bob was born in Lynn, MA, to the late and loving parents, Edythe and Josiah Shamroth. He went to Lynn schools until the age of 15 when the family moved to Marblehead. He spent one year at Marblehead High School and then attended Cheshire Academy in CT. He enjoyed the school very much, playing tennis with classmates and becoming an honor roll student. It is then he began pursuing his love of electronics and communication by obtaining his ham radio license. He had fun sending messages home with his ham radio equipment.

After graduating from Cheshire, he attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he graduated from The Draper School of Business. While at UMass, he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and the Army ROTC. After graduation, he joined The United States Coast Guard and served in the reserves as a communication instructor. At the same time, he joined the family business, Northeastern Envelope Mfg. Corp., with his father. They built the company together for the next 20 years. They turned it into a modern and fine-tuned business which they sold in the mid-80s. After taking a short break in “semi-retirement,” Bob and Dodds started a sign company, The Sign connection, Inc. Dodds did the selling, and Bob ran the manufacturing end. They had many major accounts and small orders as well. They also did a lot of charity work.

The American Legion, Local 255 of Topsfield, was dear to Bob’s heart, as he was a devoted member, serving as Vice Commander. He played an integral role in many Legion activities, such as preparing for the Memorial and Veterans Day parades, and getting everything ready for the corn booth at the Topsfield Fair. He was also a dedicated supporter of the Topsfield Police and Fire Departments. It made him especially happy to be a graduate of the first ever Topsfield Citizen’s Police Academy.

Bob also kept busy around the house, helping to take care of the five mini dachshunds, the horses at the barn and the swimming pool. He was also in charge of many everyday chores and used his natural sense of ingenuity to perfect them. He loved his tractors very much and had a specific job for each of them. Neighbors were always impressed, that into his 80’s, Bob was out snow blowing. “On The Job Bob,” as he was known by his family and friends, will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He had a true heart of gold.

Funeral services will be held at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin St. Salem, MA on May 28 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Congregation Shirat Hayam Cemetery, Beth El section, Lowell St. Peabody, MA. Memorial observances will be held at the Shamroth home on Thursday, May 29 from 2-4 p.m. and will continue from 7-9 p.m. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to: and the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and the American Legion, Post 255, P.O. Box 243, Topsfield, MA 01983.

For the online guestbook, please visit www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com.