Robert L. Daniels, formerly of West Newton, died Wednesday, Oct 16, 2013 in Radford Virginia. He was born November 14, 1921 in Waltham, Massachusetts to Dr. Louis Riley and Cora Colburn Daniels. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Ripley Daniels, son Richard D. Daniels, brother Richard Daniels, sister and brother-in-law Ruth and James Mangan and son-in-law Robert Bailey. He is survived by four children: Robert R. Daniels and wife Sandra of Snowville VA; Hope Collins of Weare, NH; Lee Hodgins and husband Dave of Bangor, ME; and Beth Nichols and husband Ray of Pennington NJ.
Also surviving are former sons-in-law Milan Keser and Jesse Collins, 8 grand children and 21 great grand children. Bob and his late wife graduated from Belmont MA High School in 1939. He attended the University of Maine and was a member of the First Unitarian Society in Newton where he sang in the choir and served on numerous committees.
Bob retired after a long distinguished career as a development engineer with Textron in Winchester MA for whom he traveled internationally in technical support of foreign associates. He was a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club specializing in the geology, flora, and fauna of the New Hampshire White Mountains and was inducted into the Old Hutman’s Association as a special member. Bob was also active in Boy Scouts, especially with the Nobscott Reservation in Framingham, MA where he implemented the Forestry Conservation Project and developed and oversaw the Sisson Nature Trail. In 2000 he was awarded the Boy Scouts highest adult honor, the Silver Beaver.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Unitarian Society in Newton, 1326 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465 or the Appalachian Mountain Club , 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108.