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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Robert N.
Karpp
February 9, 1937 – September 5, 2025
Robert N. (Bob) Karpp, 88, of Wayland, MA, passed away peacefully at his home on September 5, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished above all else.
Born in Hamilton, New York, on February 9, 1937, Bob was the son of the late Nicholas and Mary Karpp. He was also predeceased by his brother Nicholas Karpp and sister Nancy McMahon.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Siebert, in 1959, and together they raised four children until her passing in 1986. In 1988, Bob married Leslie Sears Stahl, who became his steadfast partner, confidante, and the fabric that kept the family strong through the years. With Leslie came the blessing of an expanded family, and Bob embraced her children, K. David Stahl and Stephanie Duffy, as his own.
Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Leslie; his children: Pamela (Joe) Frey, Robert S. (Sally) Karpp, Cynthia McCoubrey, Corinne (Rich) Bishop; his stepchildren K. David Stahl and Stephanie (Tim) Duffy; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews, lifelong friends and extended family. To them, he was not only a patriarch but a source of wisdom, laughter, and unconditional support. Bob will be remembered as a man devoted to family, whether on the sidelines of his grandchildren's games, around the holiday table, or simply sharing stories at home, he delighted in the company of those he loved.
Bob was a graduate of Springfield College, where he excelled as a student-athlete, building on his standout high school career. His discipline, drive, and love of competition would later serve him well in both business and life.
After college, Bob began his professional career at U.S. Gypsum and later worked for National Gypsum. In 1979, fueled by an entrepreneurial vision, he founded the Robert N. Karpp Company in South Boston. What started as a single-location drywall supply business grew into Boston's largest distributor, with multiple branches and over 100 employees. His son Rob joined him in 1980, and together with the support and dedication of Bob's daughters and their husbands, the family built the company into a thriving enterprise. In 2016 the business was acquired where it continues to operate as New England's largest drywall supply company, a testament to Bob's determination and leadership.
Bob's legacy lives on through his beloved wife, his children and stepchildren, his 10 grandchildren, and his 9 great-grandchildren — as well as the company he built and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and unwavering spirit.
A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will take place on Friday September 12 at 11:00AM at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 53 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice , Newton, MA.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.
Memorial Service
Trinitarian Congregational Church
Starts at 11:00 am
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