Robert B. Packer

Robert B. Packer, 86, died Monday February 25, 2019 after a period of declining health. Born in Lynn, MA and raised in Swampscott, MA, Bobby graduated from Swampscott High School in 1950, and from Massachusetts College of Optometry in 1955. He married Sonya Frutkin, and, after a stint in the peacetime army, they set up practice in Natick, MA where Bob dispensed eyecare and boisterous good cheer for nearly 40 years.

Bobby was a warm, garrulous man with an outsized personality who lived his life with gusto. Whether he was playing bridge or bowling, coaching little league or building backyard sheds, whatever Bobby did, he did full throttle. Old friends will remember his doll house phase, and his pretty average tennis game. Neighborhood kids recall the year he built a skating rink in the back yard. Over the years he served 1000’s of patients, examining eyes, dispensing glasses, and offering support to everyone. Across generations, people will remember Bobby for his kindness and vibrant energy. After retiring, Bob and Sunny moved to Albuquerque, NM where they lived for the past 12 years.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Sunny, to whom he was devoted throughout their 63 years of marriage; daughter, Diane (Paul Griesmer) of Natick, MA, daughter, Margie of Natick, and son, Danny (Ruth McDonald) of Albuquerque; and five grandchildren, Kinchen, Ruby and Seth Packer of Albuquerque, and Bennett and Lee Griesmer of Natick.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at the performance hall in the Albuquerque Academy Music Building.  An open house will take place after the service at Sunny and Bob’s home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. There will be a memorial service at a later date in Natick.