Gloucester - Robert M. Cox Jr. ("Robb"), 83, of Los Angeles, California and Gloucester, MA, died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on December 28 while on vacation in Aspen, Colorado, surrounded by his family—where he most loved to be.

Robb was born in 1942 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the son of Robert M. Cox Sr. and Louise Cox. After graduation from Dartmouth College in 1965, he served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan. Throughout his life, he maintained close friendships from his times in college and the military.

Upon returning home, he worked with his father at Cox's Department Store, a beloved local institution in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. With merchandising in his blood, he moved to California to work in the fashion and retail industries, eventually joining the Simon Property Group as a specialist in major shopping mall development, valued by colleagues for his judgment and expertise.

In Los Angeles, he met the love of his life, Karen Bell, of Gloucester, MA. They married in 1985 and became the proud parents of two children, Molly and Will. There was no question that family was the principal pleasure of Robb's life.

An avid outdoorsman and athlete, Robb's other passions included skiing, biking, boating, music, dancing (with Karen), dogs, westerns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Robb came to adopt Gloucester as a second home and loved nothing more than sharing it with friends, especially by boat on a clear day out of Rocky Neck.

A generous soul with a booming laugh and ready sense of humor, Robb would routinely wrap family and friends in great bear hugs of affection.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Bell; daughter Jenny Newman (from a previous marriage) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Molly Cox and husband to be, Sam Kim, of New York City; son Will Cox of Gloucester; grandchildren Lilly and Jake Newman; sister Mary Cox of McKeesport; sisters-in-law JoAnn Bell and Leslie Bell; brother-in-law Marvin Tighe; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss him deeply and remember him warmly.

A funeral and private burial service will be held at Mount Jacob Cemetery in Gloucester. Shiva will be observed at the residence of Leslie Bell on January 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. For online condolences go to: www.goldmanfc.com. Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Chapel, Malden.