Robert W. Wentworth

Robert W. Wentworth, of Salem NH, where he resided with his son William, and formerly of Windham, NH, Andover, MA, and a native of Melrose, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at the age of 85. Bob was the devoted father of William O. Wentworth of Salem, NH, Kathleen M. Wentworth of Manchester, NH, and Brett A. Wentworth and his wife Jaime of Thornton, CO. Loving brother of Jayne Hall and her husband Ron of Kansas City, MO, Marilyn Hanson and her husband Michael, Sue Meub and her late husband Dan, and the late Clayton Wentworth and his surviving wife Sue.  Cherished grandfather of Matthew Wentworth and his wife Gabriela, Erika Willis and her husband Adam, Trevor Wentworth and his wife Crystal, Alexis O’Donnell and her husband Greg, Jessica Wentworth, Alexandra Wentworth, Jacob Wentworth, and great grandfather of Noah Wentworth, Micah Wentworth, Maverick Wentworth, Phoenix Wentworth, and Lanie Willis.  He is also survived by his former wife Beverly J. Tornrose and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born on November 5, 1939, in Melrose, Massachusetts, one of two children of the late Clayton and Virginia (Ball) Wentworth.  Bob lived a life filled with adventure, warmth, and laughter.

Growing up in Melrose, he was the quintessential young boy who loved nothing more than to play with his sister and get into harmless mischief with his friends. He graduated from Melrose his junior year and went to Severn prep school where he graduated and was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, a huge accomplishment. Bob instead opted to take a proud step into adulthood by serving in the United States Army, and he was stationed in Korea, where he built lasting memories and friendships.  After serving three years in Korea, achieving the rank of Staff Seargent, he returned to attend the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering.

After college, he accepted a position with the Foxboro Company, which sent him to the island paradise of Aruba, and allowed Bob to pursue his passion for golf in his free time. Returning from Aruba he began his journey in the technology industry, ultimately landing at Keirulff where Len Schlay, Eddie Smith, Joe Jangro and Bob worked together. The four thought leaders founded Lionex in 1973, and successfully built the company to be the number #1 electronics distributor on the eastern seaboard.   Lionex was acquired by Anthem Electronics 1986. Not one to rest on his laurels, Bob went to work at a struggling veteran and minority owned small business Port Electronics in 1992.  He and his business partners, Dave Perry, Kenny King and Joe Jangro, took this small business to over $100M in revenue which continues to operate to this day. Bob’s influence in the electronics and semiconductor industry is widely regarded as ‘legendary’ amongst his contemporaries.  ‘Wenty’ as he is affectionately known to his co-workers and friends, is a true pioneer and a hero to many.

Bob was fiercely devoted to his family.  He loved to work and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He was affectionately known as Grandpa Bob or just Gbob to his grandkids, nieces and nephews, and this even extended to his in-law extended family. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will always cherish the lessons he passed down.

He lived a modest life by choice and he did not see value in possessions. Having the gift of gab he was a great story teller, if the story started with “It’s a classic” you knew you were going to hear a good one.

In his free time, Bob found joy in the simple pleasures of life, but of course his number one passion was golf. On the golf course he forged countless, deep rooted friendships.  He was a member at Ferncroft County Club and then at Indian Ridge Country Club for decades. Bob started a yearly weekend golf trip to Maplewood which grew to host 52 golfers, eventually with a waiting list.

Whether it was spending cherished moments on Lake Winnipesaukee, enjoying the sandy shores of Cape Cod, or engaging in his favorite pastimes of fishing, Bob always found time to be with nature. He was an ardent fan of the New England Patriots, for whom his sister Jayne worked in the front office, and met her husband and Patriots hall-of-famer Ron Hall. He loved baseball and the Red Sox, passionately cheering them on through the highs and lows.

A charitable man Bob was a supporter of many Veterans charity’s, Lahey Hospital, the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He quietly helped many people in his lifetime.

Bob was a bright light in the lives of those who knew and loved him.  He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Bob’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9-11am, and again for his Funeral Service at 11am.

In lieu flowers, gifts in memory of Bob may be made to The Jimmy Fund or by mail to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA. 02284-9168.