In Memoriam: Robert E. Evans, 1940-2022
Mr. Evans was a past President of the Massachusetts Association of Life Underwriters
HOLDEN – Robert E. Evans of Holden, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor to so many, passed on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois and raised in Needham, MA Bob was the son of Leland E. and Alice (Littleton) Evans and lived the last 54 years in Holden.
Bob was a graduate of Needham High School, class of 1958. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University where he received a bachelor’s degree in insurance. While attending high school in Needham, Bob met the love of his life and devoted wife, Kathy.
Bob had a life-long career, spanning nearly 60 years, as an accomplished investment advisor, a licensed insurance agent and a financial planner. Starting at John Hancock Insurance Company, he then worked as a General Agent with Berkshire Life Insurance Company for 32-years. In 1989 he founded FMG Financial Services in partnership with Michael Hanely. Bob has always been dedicated to his career and worked to improve the industry through his membership and active involvement with various organizations, including serving as President of the Massachusetts Association of Life Underwriters. Bob’s awards and accomplishments are too numerous to list, but he was most proud of receiving the John Mehan Award, one of the most prestigious in his industry.
When asked what he’s enjoyed most about his career, Bob would say “the people.” Bob has developed life-long friendships with many of his clients and they have relied on him for his sound guidance. Bob also loved mentoring young people. He taught insurance classes for 20 years, volunteered in the Dynamy program and served on the board of Trustees of his alma mater. Bob was an advocate for his community serving in Holden on the Planning Board, Economic Development Commission, the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce and as past President of the Jaycees. A longtime board member and past president of the Briarwood Retirement Community, Bob’s kindness and empathy showed he always put others first.
Bob was an avid antique car enthusiast from the time he was child. Before obtaining his drivers’ license, Bob became the youngest member of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America and enjoyed membership in numerous automobile clubs thereafter. Bob shared his passion with his son, Steve, and attended many events across the country. One highlight was being selected to show his 1909 Pierce Arrow at the famous Pebble Beach Concours. Through the passion for his hobby, Bob made many lifelong friends.
It goes without saying that Bob’s family meant the world to him, especially his wife, Kathy. Married for nearly 60 years, Bob and Kathy had the good fortune to travel with dear friends to many destinations in Europe. Members of Tatnuck Country Club, Bob and Kathy often dined with friends and celebrated with family. Our family will also remember fondly many wonderful vacations and the special relationship “Grandpa” had with each of his 5 grandchildren.
He will remain in our hearts and be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Kathleen (Knuth) Evans; his daughter, Amy L. Weinstein and her husband, David of Riverside, RI; his son, Steven P. Evans and his wife, Barbara of Anthem, AZ and his son, Matthew B. Evans and his wife, Christine of Yonkers, NY; and his five grandchildren, Evan and Hannah Weinstein; Nathan, Anna and Finnian Evans; his brother, Richard L. Evans and his wife, Myrna of Concord, NH; his Aunt Doris Jean Evans of Santa Rosa, CA and nephews and nieces. Our family extends our gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at Jewish Home Hospice.
The following obituary is reprinted from the Miles Funeral Home. For more information on the arrangements regarding Mr. Evan’s funeral or to share a memory or offer condolence, please visit the website’s “Tribute Wall” here.
