Plaistow, NH; Robert Frost Parsons, "Bob," 81, former longtime resident of Topsfield, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on January 19, 1941, in Boston, MA, son to the late Theodore J. and Helen M. (Frost) Parsons. He was raised in Melrose, MA, and was a graduate of Melrose High School. He attended the University of New Hampshire and worked briefly as a civil engineer. He went on to start his own business, Chelsea Carpet Service, followed by Yankee Carpet & Interiors in Topsfield, MA. He retired in 2015 after more than 40 years in the carpet industry (he was affectionately referred to as "Rugsy" by close friends).

Bob lived in Topsfield for 45 years. While there, he served on the Board of Assessors for six years, coached many of his children's athletic teams, volunteered at church, and donated his time and skills everywhere around town.

Bob loved the ocean and to fish and bought his first boat when he was eight. He also enjoyed RVing, eventually traveling to 48 states, and visited and hiked many of the country's national parks. He enjoyed downhill skiing and had fond memories of a trip to the Alps. He happily escaped New England's weather for more than 30 years by wintering at Outdoor Resorts of America in Melbourne Beach, FL. There, he loved to golf, boat, play tennis, and motorcycle.

Above all, most important to Bob was spending time with his family and friends, many of whom he'd had since childhood. He was a man of strong faith; kind and accepting of anyone who crossed his path. He was always available to help with any project or anything that needed fixing. He was an active member of Habitat for Humanity and supervised the building of multiple homes.

Bob's smile and laugh (and whistle) were infectious. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen (Beecher) Parsons; son Robert F. Parsons II of Newburyport, MA, and his son, Noah; daughter Jennifer Parsons O'Handley and her husband, Kevin, and children, Molly, Jack, and Maggie, of Andover, MA; son Scott B. Parsons and his wife, Lisa, and children, Jack and Drew, of Saint Johnsbury, VT; daughter Laurel A. Loesberg and her husband, Fred, and children, Tristan and Jenna, of Haiku, HI; and brother, Theodore R. Parsons and his wife, Marianne, of Jensen Beach, FL.

Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Habitat for Humanity , 322 West Lamar St., Americus, GA 31709, or Free Christian Church , 31 Elm St., Andover, MA 01810.