Robert A. Prior

Robert A. Prior, 80, died peacefully at Christopher House in Worcester, MA on January 2, 2024.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Katherine J. (Kate) Prior of Boston; former wife Eileen M. Prior of Worcester; nieces Megan M. Collins and her husband Daniel of Norwell and Colleen M. Shannon and her husband Noah Weiskoff of Beverly; nephew Timothy J. Shannon of Salem and his great-nephews Aidan Collins and Ronan Shannon-Weiskoff.  He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Virginia A. (Prior) and Martin A. Shannon and niece Kerry Shannon. 

Bob was born on May 30, 1943 in Worcester, MA to Arthur H. and Margaret (Minns) Prior.  He graduated from South High School in 1961. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Merrimack College and continued his education at Clark University where he earned a Master of Arts in Biology.  He was a professor at Quinsigamond Community College for over 40 years and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to support non-traditional students.

Bob was a wonderful father who enjoyed conversations about the Celtics, WNBA and Patriots.  He was passionate about sports and even followed the Assumption College basketball team for many years. His sense of humor and ability to purchase the most ridiculous gifts at the holidays was entertaining to Kate's friends for decades.

Bob passed on his love of Cape Cod to his daughter after spending his childhood summers at the family seasonal home in Dennis, MA.  Many games of keep-away and fun times were spent at Bayview and Corporation beaches with his parents and sister Ginny's family.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 9^th from 10am with an 11am prayer service at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA. In addition to flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may also be made to Christopher House of Worcester.  Kate would like to thank the caregivers and nursing home staff at Christopher House for their support over the last 4 years.