Robert J. Kolson, 79, of Marshfield, formerly of Braintree, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his loving family, on Tuesday, December, 27, 2022.
Born in (Germantown) Quincy, September 10, 1943, he was the son of the late Irene (Donnellan) and John J. Kolson.

Devoted to his family, Bob cherished his role as father to Mary Erica Burgoyne and her husband Paul of Marshfield, grandfather (Papa) to Grace, Hannah, Amelia, and Lillian, husband to his former wife Diane G. Kolson of Scituate, who passed in 2013, brother to Peter V. Kolson and his wife Judy of Fairport, NY, sister M. Kristine Diack and her partner Jim Dixon of Quincy, brother in law, and honorary brother, Alfred "Jack" Diack of Quincy, many nieces and nephews, including a great nephew and great niece. He was predeceased by his brother John J. Kolson, Jr., sister Irene G. Berry, nephew Stephen Diack and niece KerriAnn Kolson.

Bob was a 1962 graduate of Quincy High School and later attended Northeastern and Tufts for undergraduate studies to further his education. He was always passionate about and involved in politics. Joining the Young Democrats in Quincy after high school, later becoming president and credited for significantly increasing their member numbers and organizing record breaking March of Dimes fundraisers.

He was a serial entrepreneur and accomplished businessman starting and running many businesses including a Nutri System Weight Loss Clinic and several commercial real estate enterprises before finding his true passion as a carpenter and handy man. He worked well into his seventies, building additions, remodeling bathrooms and even painting three story homes on his own; much to Mary's dismay.

Bob was an enthusiastic and active member of every community to which he belonged. A resident of the city of Braintree for many years, a former member of Rotary, attending St. Francis of Assisi Parish where he was an active member, youth leader, choir member, and Eucharist Minister. Later, after he moved to Marshfield, he continued to be an active member of St. Christine's Parish, a member of the Men's Bible Study Group, a Eucharist Minister, and delivered communion weekly to those unable to attend church.

He was an adventurer; traveling the world (Italy, Costa Rica, Alaska to name a few), riding his motorcycle with Mary on the back, an active golfer and former member of the Hatherly Golf Club in Scituate, a member of the Marshfield Rod and Gun club and active boater; buying a boat in his mid-seventies so he could truly enjoy the rivers and ocean ways in Marshfield.

Bob was so many things to so many people, but above all he was, a warm smile, a kind word, a strong hand of support on your shoulder and a wonderful story. Bob was a master storyteller, in true Irish form, never letting facts or details ruin a good narrative. Stories were Bob's way of letting you know he cared and of course bragging about his family (mostly his granddaughters and brother Peter) whom he was proud of beyond words. He will be sorely missed, but we are all comforted knowing that he is home with his creator and those he loved who went before him.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Christine Parish Church, 1295 Main Street in Marshfield. Interment will be in the Washington Street Cemetery in Norwell.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation online at https://www.jdrf.org/

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com