Robert Standing Hargraves

After 89 years of perpetual motion, the life of the Honorable Robert Standing Hargraves came to a peaceful close on January 16, 2026. He was a man of resilience, humor, and quiet strength, whose life was defined not by hardship, but by the grace and determination with which he overcame it.

Bob met the love of his life, Ellen, in 1960, and they married in 1962. Their partnership was one of enduring devotion. Ellen passed away seven months ago, and, in time, Bob followed her after the heartbreak of her loss.

Bob leaves a cherished family legacy. He is survived by his children: Carolyn Cassidy (Tim) of Ocean Ridge, Florida; Patti Lannon (partner Kris Duquette) of Peabody, Massachusetts; and Robert Hargraves (Deanna) of Brunswick, Maine. He is also survived by his siblings Nancy Catalini and James Hargraves of Ashby, Massachusetts. Bob was predeceased by his brothers Gordon Jr. (Sonny), Jack Hargraves, and brother-in-law Richard Catalini.

He was the proud grandfather of nine: Timothy Cassidy; Sarah Cassidy Bradshaw (Jamie); Laurel Cassidy; Matthew Lannon; Marin Lannon; Jenna Lannon; Gordon Hargraves; Olivia Hargraves; and Georgia Hargraves, and a loving great-grandfather to James Bradshaw.

Bob was born on October 14, 1936, in Winchester, Massachusetts, the third of five children of Gordon F. Hargraves and Dorothy M. Hargraves. In 1940, the family moved to the Hargraves farm in Ashby, Massachusetts, where Bob’s hardscrabble upbringing shaped the character so many admired. At the age of six, he lost his dominant left arm in a childhood accident and was administered last rites. Before his teenage years, he endured a broken back that left him in a body cast for months. Bob lost his oldest brother, Sonny, due to a childhood illness. These early challenges forged in him an extraordinary resolve and deepened his bond with his remaining siblings.

Bob attended all twelve grades in a single schoolhouse in Ashby, where he loved playing baseball with friends — joking that he played first base “because all I had to do was catch.” He began studying mathematics at Fitchburg State College, later transferring to the University of Maine at Orono. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in Math Education. He continued his academic pursuits with a master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College and advanced degrees in educational administration from Boston University. During this time, Bob was awarded five National Science Foundation fellowships in mathematics that were granted by the College of the Holy Cross, Oberlin College, and Boston University.

Bob’s professional life was devoted to education and public service. He taught calculus at Groton High School for five years. In 1964, he joined Swampscott High School, where he proudly coached the school’s first math team. In 1966, he began his administrative career as principal of North Middlesex Regional High School, and he continued in various leadership roles in regional schools until 1994.

That same year, Bob was elected State Representative of Massachusetts, launching an 18-year career of service to the Commonwealth. Over nine successful elections, he became a tireless advocate for education, childhood disability initiatives, and healthcare reform. He worked closely with Governor Mitt Romney to strengthen healthcare access for Massachusetts residents — one of the many causes he championed with integrity and passion.

Outside of work, Bob was rarely still, unless he was carrying on a conversation at his mainstay, Johnson’s Diner. He was accomplished in antique car restoration, rebuilding several classic vehicles, including his beloved 1927 Buick Roadster and 1931 Model A Ford pickup, both longtime fixtures in Groton parades. He was also an avid gardener, generously sharing his tomatoes, squash, and corn with friends and neighbors. He and Ellen frequently ventured to Maine in the summer, where they felt at home away from Groton. Bob served as a Justice of the Peace for all who sought his help. Alongside Ellen, he embodied civic commitment, serving the town of Groton as moderator, selectman, and finance committee member, and remaining a true cornerstone of the community throughout his life.

Bob & Ellen were devoted members of the Union Congregational Church in Groton for more than six decades. Bob served wherever needed, whether as a deacon or by arriving early to clear snow from the church steps. Through their many years of faithful service, Bob and Ellen formed a deep and enduring bond with their church community.

Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, gifted educator, and dedicated public servant. His life was a testament to perseverance, humility, and service — a legacy that will live on in the countless lives he touched. His family and friends take comfort in knowing he is once again at peace with Ellen, reunited after a lifetime of love and devotion.

Bob's life will be celebrated with calling hours on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton. A service honoring his life will follow on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the Union Congregational Church, 218 Main St., Groton.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA. 978-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com.