9th May 2025
RIP ROBERT ‘BOB’ PRIMAROLO
We have been saddened to hear of the recent death of Bob Primarolo at the age of 84.
Bob was the father of Mark, Steve, Jane and Simon who all started at St Mary’s, St Joseph’s Covent or the amalgamated school in the 1970s.Bob died in Pembury Hospital, on 22 April, after a five-week battle following a stroke.
Bob was a popular, loyal and hard-working servant of the school, a parent who took an active interest in the running of it.
Perhaps Bob was best known for his membership of the St Mary’s Rugby Association and his very visible touchline presence in all weathers supporting the school’s rugby teams and his sons.
Along with other parents like Colin Bensley, Ron Davies, Don Beaton, John Kelleher and Bill Bailey, Bob made a superb contribution to the school and especially its sporting side.
All the above names, including Bob and many others, were greatly appreciated by masters in charge of rugby including Heads of PE, Rod Turner, Roy White, Andy Wolstenholme and men like Fr (later Bishop) Tom Burns who were also actively involved in rugby.
They have all acknowledged the work parents like Bob did to support the school. Their contribution should never be forgotten.
Bob’s funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 92 High Street, Otford, TN14 5PH at 12 noon on Thursday 15 May.
The burial will follow at St Mary’s Church, Kemsing, TN15 6NA.
There will then be a celebration of Bob’s life at St Edith’s Village Hall in Kemsing, TN15 6NA. Bob’s family, Ann, Mark, Stephen, Jane and Simon say all are welcome.
The family will place flowers on the coffin. Should you wish to contribute to a charity close to Bob’s heart please donate to:
CancerResearchuk.org, MarieCurie.org.uk or Great Ormond Street Hospital (gosh.nhs.uk)
Rest in peace Bob and thank you for everything you did for St Mary’s.
Bob, pictured, far left, with other ‘dads’ and rugby masters on a rugby tour to Blackpool in 1982
I have fond memories of Bob from tours to Blackpool in 184 and 1985. Great guy, will be sadly missed. Best wishes to the family.
Bob Prim was in the first group of “Dad’s” set up in the early 70s. The group already mentioned plus Stan Warren and Jack Pearce offered considerable support, enthusiasm, and good will to the staff leading the various year teams and the First and Second sides. I know they went on to be much more involved in the years after my departure – so great stuff.
I remember Bob for his support and his consistent good humour – even when I might have been in a strop about play not going as I might have wanted – on some rare occasions.
He also gave SMGS, in my time, two grand rugby players.
Well done mate. Rod Turner