Robert L. "Bob" Culver

On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Robert L. “Bob” Culver of Milton, formerly of Jamaica Plain, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 75 years old.

Born in Ithaca, NY, to Helen (Vawter) and Robert A. Culver, Bob was raised in the Poughkeepsie, NY area. After graduating from Roy C. Ketchum High School, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Buffalo. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree from London School of Economics and completed an intensive non-degree program in modern Chinese language and history at King’s College, Cambridge University, England. Upon his return to the U.S., he received a Master’s in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

During this time in Cambridge, MA, Bob met Geraldine (Mercadante) at a friend's dinner party, sparking a connection that led to a loving marriage and the birth of their daughter. 

Bob’s professional career was distinguished and diverse. He has served in administrative, financial and operational roles in the public and private sectors. He began at Coopers & Lybrand, in the finance and management consulting practice where he consulted to a variety of organizations and he rose to partner, leading the firm’s Northeast health care practice. Next Bob served as Treasurer and Executive Vice President at Northeastern University, responsible for financial services, capital projects, plant maintenance, information services and all non-academic activities of the school. During this time, he served on the Boston School Committee, balancing its budget and developing a prototype for successful union negotiations. From there, Bob joined the Cabot Corporation as CFO. He was responsible for enterprise-wide financial and system activity including investor relations, corporate planning, and mergers and acquisitions. He then moved back to a university environment as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Yale University. 

Bob’s passion for public service led him to work next as CEO of Mass Development. Here he shaped and supported many projects in the state such as the redevelopment of the Army’s Fort Devens into a biotech and manufacturing hub. After a brief time in retirement, he returned to work for Sasaki Associates, an internationally recognized planning and design firm, as business developer for higher education for public and commercial clients.

A Renaissance man at heart, Bob had many interests and was guided by working for the public good. He was deeply committed to the city of Boston, volunteering his time informally as well as serving on the Board of the Boston Conservatory of Music and Cambridge Center for Adult Education. He was also a natural storyteller and historian, and in his quieter moments, he cherished time spent with family by the ocean. Yearly trips to Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod were a treasured tradition. Bob also enjoyed photography when he wasn’t hard at work or soaking up the sun on the beach.

In addition to his beloved wife of 46 years, Geraldine Culver (Mercadante) of Milton, Bob is survived by his cherished daughter, Leah Culver of Boston. He also leaves behind; two brothers, Gary Culver and wife Sunny of Tigard, OR and Glenn Culver of Boston; nephew, Mark Culver of Spain; sister-in-law Christine Walsh and husband Gerard of Hernando, FLA; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

His life was rich with love, strengthened by family, and filled with the joy of his many passions.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on September 14th at 1 pm at First Church of Jamaica Plain Unitarian Universalist, 6 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain. Reception to follow. Bob’s burial will be held privately at Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate in his memory for research to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445.