Robert E. Ashley, Jr.

Robert E. Ashley, Jr., 75, a longtime teacher and coach in Stoughton, died Wednesday at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Concord, son of the late Robert E. and Lucy (Amedere) Ashley, he was raised in Lakeville and was a graduate of Apponequet Regional High School and also the University of Massachusetts, and was a longtime resident of Norton. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration at Bridgewater State College. In 1978 he married Karen L. Brown, and they spent over 46 years married and together lovingly raised their twin daughters.

In 1971, Bob accepted a job as a Teacher at Stoughton Junior High School, which later became the O’Donnell Middle School, and it was there that he spent over 35 years as a Physical Education Teacher, Health Teacher and coach. Bob was the Head Baseball Coach for Stoughton High School for many years and won several Hockomock League Championships under his guidance.In 1984, he led the Black Knights to the Division 2 State Championship. Bob was inducted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001. During the summers, he enjoyed his time coaching baseball at the Bay State Games, Ted Williams Camp and with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod League. He also was a longtime assistant football coach at Stoughton High School. Bob was an avid sports fan and also enjoyed working on his Mustang and going to Nascar races with his sister.  In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and attending the games and activities of his beloved grandchildren.  

In addition to his wife Karen L. (Brown) Ashley, he is survived by his two daughters, Brooke J. Panek and her husband Kyle and Britt L. Gallagher and her husband Robert, all of Norton. He was the brother of Marjorie LaPorte of Freetown and Susan Ashley of New Bedford. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Daelan, Lillian and Ethan Gallagher, Avery and Ryan Panek and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rte. 27) Stoughton on Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 4-7 PM with family reflections at 7 PM. Funeral Prayers will be held in Funeral Home on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11 AM, followed by lunch at The Chateau Restaurant, 1165 Park Street, Stoughton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.