Robert Bates Mauterstock Jr.

Robert “Bob” “Mo” Mauterstock of Brewster lived life with curiosity, joy, big ideas, and an open heart. He squeezed every ounce out of every day, making friends wherever he went and leaving every place a little brighter than he found it. Bob passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of service, explorations, and countless people who were better for having known him.

Bob grew up in Tarrytown, New York, and Longmeadow, Massachusetts. A proud graduate of Princeton University, he played football in the fall and rugby in the spring, served as President of the Cannon Club, and remained a proud Tiger throughout his life. The friendships he made at Princeton lasted more than sixty years. The annual Princeton–Dartmouth football game was really just an excuse to gather for the tailgate. At reunions, Bob and his classmates did the alligator, “flesh piled,” had fun like they were twenty again, and reminded one another that growing older never meant growing up.

After Princeton, Bob proudly served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. He later earned a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Connecticut, began his career as a middle school teacher, and eventually found his calling as a financial advisor, where he combined practical wisdom with genuine compassion.

Helping others became the defining purpose of Bob’s professional and volunteer life. He founded the Certified Elder Planning Specialist Program, equipping financial advisors to better serve older adults and their families. As President of the Unitarian Universalist Church in West Hartford, he led a successful capital campaign and strengthened a community rooted in compassion and service. He also volunteered with Cape Mediation and the Brewster Ladies’ Library and served as a Board Member of the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, helping families navigate the emotional and financial challenges of aging with calm guidance, thoughtful listening, and unwavering kindness.

A lifelong learner, Bob happily self-published several books—not because he expected them to become bestsellers, but because he loved ideas and believed every story was worth telling.

The greatest priviledge of Bob’s life was winning Mary’s heart. After two and a half years of determined courtship, he finally convinced her to say yes. Together they built a life filled with love, joy, friendship, and shared adventures, raising their daughter, Stephanie, in Glastonbury, Connecticut, before retiring to Cape Cod. They returned to the Caribbean year after year and traveled with family and dear friends through Ireland, Italy, France, and Hawaii. Whether exploring a new country or simply watching the sunset together, Bob and Mary found joy in life’s simple moments.

Bob never lost his sense of wonder. He loved anything that flew—from helicopters to drones to model airplanes. The Fly Boys knew him for flying flaming electrics at Crosby Landing and introducing countless friends to the hobby. He was usually the first to try the newest technology, and whether behind the wheel of his beloved sky-blue 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu or his Nissan 300ZX, Bob was always eager for the next road ahead.

Whenever life handed him one of those perfect moments—a spectacular sunset, a family vacation, a great meal, or an afternoon with friends—Bob would smile and say, “Bottle this.”

More than anything, Bob will be remembered for his gentle heart, authentic kindness, great sense of humor, and the joy he found in other people. He listened without judgment, laughed easily, and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. His greatest legacy isn’t found in the places he traveled, the titles he held, or the accomplishments he achieved, but in the countless lives he made brighter simply by being himself.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Mary; his cherished daughter, Stephanie; extended family; lifelong friends; fellow veterans; members of the Fly Boys; grateful clients; and the many families whose lives he touched.

If Bob taught us anything, it was to stay curiosity often, remain young at heart, love deeply, and never pass up the chance to make a memory and make a difference. His greatest joy was sharing that life with Mary, and his greatest legacy is the love, joy of life, kindness, and memories he leaves behind.

Bottle this, Bob. We’ll carry these memories with us always.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, 2095 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 or www.alzfamilysupport.org. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on the Cape this fall.