Enjoyed summers on Lake Winnepesaukee and world travel
Published in the September 29, 2017 edition
WAKEFIELD — Robert L. Scribner, M.D., age 91, of Salem, died Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Putnam Farm in Danvers.
Robert was raised in Bangor, Maine and in 1944 graduated from John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor where he was the class Valedictorian and recipient of the Athletic Achievement of the Decade award. He then went on to attend the University of Notre Dame where he received his Bachelors in Science in 1950 and followed on to Tufts University School of Medicine, Class of 1954. Robert completed his residencies at Malden Hospital, Lahey Clinic, Shriner’s Hospital, Springfield College, and Boston City Hospital. His career spanned many years and included: Clinical Instructor in Orthopedic Surgery at Tufts University, Chief of Orthopedic Service at Malden Hospital, Past President of Medical Staff at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, and Past President of Medical Staff at New England Memorial Hospital. He also participated in Orthopedics Overseas in Ethiopia in 1985 and was a Charter Member of Eastern Orthopedic Association. Robert retired from active practice in 1996.
Robert and his late beloved wife, Eleanor D. (Prusaitis) moved to Massachusetts after their marriage in 1950. He was a most dedicated family man, taking time to coach his son’s Little League team, join his daughter in art classes, and attend his children’s recitals. He introduced his children to the pleasures of swimming, boating, water skiing, and snow skiing. Robert led the family in cheering for the Notre Dame football team. He was a lifelong musician, playing drum set, vibes, and percussion with the Lynn Village Drum Band, the Redmen’s band, and the Wakefield Retired Men’s Band.
Robert was a close and encouraging grandparent, always participating in the latest of their activities. He enjoyed many summers on Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire, and winters in Stowe, Vermont. Robert and his wife, Eleanor, traveled the world with their children and grandchildren on various occasions.
He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor Scribner, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Being a dedicated husband, he was by Eleanor’s side when she passed on August 11, 2017. He was the loving father of Elizabeth Wolfe, and her husband, Edward, of Salem, Kathryn E. Scribner of Waltham, Robert M. Scribner and his wife Lynn, of Longmont, Colorado, and Thomas H. Scribner of Guilford, New Hampshire. He was the brother-in-law of Thomas Prusaitis and his wife, Joyce, of Bangor, Maine. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Edward and Michael Wolfe, of Salem, Robert T. Scribner of Boulder, Colorado, Kelsey Gilliland, of Denver, Colorado, Sara Adydan, of Syracuse, New York, Cecelia Scribner, of San Antonio, Texas, and Taylor Scribner of New York, New York. Robert is also predeceased by his brother Charles H. Scribner and his cousin, Ann Woodman Cox, with whom he shared his home as a child.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield on Saturday, September 30 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
