RIGMCorp
ROBERT SIMON CORP 1931-1991
Grand Master 1984-1985
BIOGRAPHY
Most Worshipful Brother Robert Simon Corp was born in Coventry, Rhode Island on June 24, 1931, the third of six children. He was educated in the Coventry School system and graduated from high school in 1949.
In March of 1951, Brother Corp enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and after completing boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina, was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California. He served a tour of duty in Korea, with the V M.F. 513 First Marine Air Wing, and finished his enlistment with the V.M.J.-2 at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On May 15, 1951, Bob married the former Marilyn Potter, also of Coventry. They reside on Club House Road in Coventry with two of their children, Lori A., age 21, and David F., aged 25. His son Bob and wife, Rita, along with Melissa, 9 and Bobby, 6, live a short distance away in the house where Bob and his brothers grew up.
After his tour of duty in the Marine Corps, Bob and family lived in Rockland, Maine, managing a lace mill in the town of Saint George, returning to Rhode Island in 1957. Bob started his career in the lace business, working after school, and learning the trade from the bottom up. Bob and his two brothers, Ray and Tom, currently own and operate Corbro Manufacturing Company, a lace manufacturing concern. They started with one lace-making machine, and now have brought it to its present size of 52 machines.
Most Worshipful Bob's Masonic record began in 1961, when he took his Entered Apprentice Degree in Manchester Lodge No. 12 in Coventry, Rhode Island. He was appointed Sentinel in 1964 and elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1970-1971. His dedication and devotion to the Masonic Fraternity was evident by his receiving the first "Mason of the Year Award", presented by Manchester Lodge No. 12 in 1974. He served as the Sixth District Chairman of the Grand Lodge Blood Bank for several years. In May of 1974 he was appointed Senior Grand Steward of Grand Lodge and in January, 1975, was appointed as District Deputy Grand Master by Most Worshipful Brother William G. Hunt, and installed the Fourth District Deputy Grand Master by Right Worshipful Brother Wesley J. Reuter, at the Annual Communication of Morning Star Lodge No. 13. He chose Worshipful Brother Raymond F. Kershaw as his Grand Master of Ceremonies. Bob served as a District Deputy Grand Master in all but the Seventh District.
During this time. Bob was elected Secretary of his Lodge, a position he held for two years. At present he is the Ritual Advisor. He has advanced through the Districts of our State, and was Chairman of the Fall Festival in 1979. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1981, Senior Grand Warden in 1982, Deputy Grand Master in 1983 and MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER on May 21, 1984. He also is a member of the Swords of Bunker Hill, Landmark Chapter No. 10, serving as High Priest in 1981, Narragansett Council No. 6, Narragansett Commandery No. 27, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Palestine Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. and is a Charter Member of the William Pitt Tavern Lodge No. 1776, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is a member of What Cheer York Rite College No. 43 and has received the Erasmus James Phillips Meritorious Service Award from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. He has Honorary Membership in Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 8, Warwick Lodge No. 16 and Roger Williams Lodge No. 32.
Three of Bob's brothers are members of the Masonic Fraternity, Bill from Oregon, George from Florida and brother Tom holds dual membership in Maine and Rhode Island. His son Robert A., is currently Senior Warden of Manchester Lodge No. 12.
Bob hasn't had much time for his favorite hobby – flying. He is part owner of a Luscomb, and holds a commercial pilots license. His first entry into his pilot log book is June 16, 1947. He also enjoys motorcycle riding and cutting hay in the summer.
