Robert J. Francis died unexpectedly on the morning of March 21. He was 79.

He lived in Oak Bluffs with his loving wife of 46 years, Beverly.

Bob was born in Oak Bluffs to Elsie Hampson and Manuel Francis on July 6, 1938. He attended the Oak Bluffs school and graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard High School. After graduating high school, he served Oak Bluffs as a firefighter and police officer. He then worked as a plumber with his business partner and lifelong best friend, Steve Amaral.

He will be remembered as a passionate, award-winning golfer. He was a member of Farm Neck Golf Club, where he could have been found on most weekends. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, spending time with friends, walking the beach and through the state forest and spending time with his adopted cat, Sleepy.

Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly; his siblings, Kenny Francis, Charlene Alley, and Norma Alley, his stepsister, Susan Fauteux; and his children, Robert Francis Jr., Shauna Chipperfield, Luann Bonn, and Margaret Cimeno. He has also left behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

He is predeceased by his parents; his brother Jeffrey Alley; his stepsister Linda Francis; and his son Scott Francis.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. Relatives and friends are invited to a gathering following the service at the PA Club in Oak Bluffs. Please bring a dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the PA Club Benevolent Society, P.O. Box 2203, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.