Robert Ruest of Danvers died on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 67.
He was born in Beverly to the late Arthur and Louise (Merrill) Ruest and graduated from Beverly High School in 1977. He worked for himself as an interior and exterior house painter. He played softball and coached it, including four years coaching his daughter, Jennifer, at first base and in the outfield, and the two traveled together to Florida to see his brother Arthur in Kissimmee and up the California coast to San Francisco and a Red Sox game. He fished salt and fresh water with a Dunkin’ coffee in hand, cooked roast dinners, boiled dinners and a meat sauce built on sausage and beef, and loved his dogs; Jennifer taught his favorite, Max, sign language.
He leaves his daughter, Jennifer, and her mother, Christine Ruest; his sister, Judy Regan, and her husband Michael; his aunt, Joan Moroni; his girlfriend, Betty Andress; his friend Tammi Theriault, who cares for his dog Piper; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. His brother Arthur died before him.
The graveside service is private. Arrangements are by O’Donnell Cremations, Funerals and Celebrations, Danvers. The family suggests donations to the MSPCA Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970.
Compiled from information published by O'Donnell Cremations, Funerals, Celebrations. Photograph courtesy of the family via O'Donnell Cremations, Funerals, Celebrations. This is our own summary, not the family’s obituary; read the full obituary and leave a condolence at the funeral home’s page on Legacy.com. Corrections: we will fix any error promptly.
