Robert G. Harb, R.Ph.

Robert G. Harb, R.Ph., 91, of North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and Sarasota, Florida, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a brief period of declining health. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was the beloved husband of the late Marilou “Mary” Harb, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage before her passing on July 22, 2025. For the last 25 years, Bob and Mary enjoyed life as snowbirds, traveling between North Dartmouth and Sarasota.

Born at home in New Bedford, Bob was the eldest son of the late Peter and Yvonne (Longtin) Harb. He graduated from New Bedford High School in 1953 and following in his father’s pharmacist footsteps, earned his BS in Pharmacy from Rhode Island College of Pharmacy in 1957. He was a member of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Beta Epsilon Chapter, and proudly served in the Army National Guard for eight years.

Bob devoted his career to caring for his community as a pharmacist and was the respected owner of Smith Mills Pharmacy for more than 40 years. He retired from the profession he loved at the age of 80. To generations of customers and friends, he offered far more than medications: his extensive knowledge, thoughtful advice, a welcoming smile, and – often- a well-timed dose of humor. His generosity and dedication left a lasting impression on the communities he served in Massachusetts and Florida.

Bob’s work ethic began early. As a young man, he delivered newspapers and worked at Boulevard Pharmacy, which was owned by his father. In the late 1960s and 1970s, when neighborhood drugstores could be found on nearly every corner, Bob brought creativity and personality to his business. He featured his daughters in radio commercials, introducing the memorable line, “Tell them Karen and Annie sent you “. They advertised for their father for nearly 15 years. As discount pharmacies became more prevalent, Bob adapted with another familiar slogan: “Try the rest, then come shop the best,”

Above all, Bob was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He is predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Carolyn H. Souza and James P. Harb, R.Ph.; his daughter, Susan Harb Christian; and his nephew, Kevin Souza.

He leaves behind his daughters, Karen Harb, R.Ph., and her companion, Wayne Leavitt, of North Dartmouth, and Ann Harb Raymond of Vineyard Haven; his stepson, Jonathan Gifford and his wife Franca; and his grandchildren, Nicholas Raymond, Madison Raymond, Jacob Christian, Sara and Caitlyn Gifford. He is also survived by his nephews Steven Souza, R.Ph., and his fiancé, Pam; and Curtis Souza; several cousins; great-nieces and great- nephews; extended family; and countless friends throughout his life.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His family hopes that the people he knew, employed, mentored, and influenced are better and more successful because he was part of their lives.

The family extends its sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Special thanks go to Heather Caron, Charlene Bonneau, and the Community Nurses of Fairhaven for their compassionate care, kindness and love.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 4-7 pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. The Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10 am in Our Lady of Purgatory Church, 4254 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the charity designated by the family:

Northeastern University, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Mass. Pharmaceutical Association James P. Harb Scholarship Award, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115