Robert "Bob" Alders

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, Robert “Bob” Alders answered natures “last call” in the comfort of his own home knowing he was loved by many.

 He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on March 24, 1950 to  Robert Alders Sr. and Anne Taylor who nurtured and encouraged him to be the man he was. Although Bob’s life was cut short, while alive, he lived life!

After graduating from Austintown Fitch High School in 1968, he went on to earn his B.S. in Psychology from Bowling Green University. During that time and shortly after he found his traveling spirit. He traveled throughout Columbia South America, California, Colorado and wound up in Jackson Hole Wyoming, opening “Inn Country Leather” with a couple of likeminded friends. In 1975 he followed the urge to be in New England for the Bicentennial to continue his trade and in Newburyport, MA established “Forest Leathers” on Inn Street. Soon after, in 1977, he ventured into Hampton Beach, NH where he opened “The Cow’s Ass Leather Shop” The following year he was joined by his future wife, Joyce Shipley, whom he married in September 1984. Although his passion for the actual leatherwork waned after several years, his desire to connect with people did not. In 2006 he began bartending at The Thirsty Whale where he perfected “ Bob’s Bloody Mary” and was appreciated for his quick and witty sense of humor.

Not one for all work and no play he enjoyed several years of co-ed softball with The Master Batters and made many lifetime friends. He enjoyed all things Ohio…Buckeyes, Browns, and of course The Cleveland Indians! Damn those Yankees. Bob continued his love of travel and shared it with his family over the years, traveling across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. To celebrate their college successes, he traveled to Prague in the Czech Republic with Hannah and later Thailand with Alex.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce Shipley-Alders, his two daughters who filled him with pride, Hannah Lapointe & Alexandra Alders, son in law Nick Lapointe and precious granddaughter Emilia. He also leaves behind his brother Jeff, (who has always considered Bob to be his best friend) his wife Jan, daughter Angela Meranto & family, and son Ryan Alders, as well as his sister Jody Alders, (who exemplifies the love of family) her husband Keith and family.

He will be missed by many left behind and welcomed by the loved ones and friends who have gone before him.

Bob has requested that there be no formal funeral but a Celebration of Life to be honored at The Thirsty Whale on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 11:00am-1:00pm. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Alders family with his funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please take a loved one or friend out for lunch, one of his favorite things to do.

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