Funeral Saturday for WWII Pilot, Purple Heart Recipient Robert G. Eggleston Sr.

Robert G. Eggleston Sr., 92, of Framingham, died, Tuesday, Oct, 1, 2013 at his home in Framingham.

He was the husband of 59 years to the late Jacquelyn (Shaughnessy) Eggleston who died in 2001.

Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Grant and Anna (Powers) Eggleston.

Eggleston was a graduate of Manchester High School in CT, class of 1938 and also graduated from Salsbury Prep School. He also attended Harvard University.

In 1942, Mr. Eggleston joined the US Army Air Corp and became a pilot. 

As a 2nd Lieutenant, he flew several missions in the European Theatre prior to being shot down over Germany in 1944. He was taken prisoner by Nazi forces and held at Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Germany. As Russian forces were moving to liberate the POW camp, he and fellow American POW’s were ordered to march 50 miles to Spremburg in below freezing temperatures, which was later known as the Regensburg Death March. He was listed as missing in action until he and fellow Allied Airmen were liberated by Gen. Patton’s Tanks in April 1945 from Stalag Luft VII-A in Mooseburg, Germany. 

He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart and the POW Medal for his service.

Eggleston went on to work as a manager for Travelers Insurance Company for many years.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and an usher at St. Bridget Church both in Framingham.

He is survived by his two sons Robert G. Eggleston II and his wife Barbara of Northport, FL and Shaun Eggleston of Framingham. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Eggleston of Palmdale, CA; Kim Hickey of Northport, FL; Linsey Eggleston of Ashland and Randi Eggleston of Natick; a sister in law Patricia F. Eggleston of Manchester, CT and many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late George Eggleston, who died during WWII, and Harry Eggleston.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8 to 8:30 a.m. at the Norton Funeral Home, in Framingham, followed by his funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Bridget Church, Route 9, at Framingham Center. 

Burial will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery, Fenwick St. Framingham.

Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter; 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472.