12 October, 2018
Robert J. Lavoie, 91, died Thursday, October 11, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of the late Jacquelyn (Irving) Lavoie, to whom he married for 53 years. Born October 26, 1926 in Milford, he was the son of Andrew and Mary (Rogers) Lavoie.
Bob was a U.S. Marine veteran, proudly serving at 17 in World War II where he fought in the battle of Iwo Jima, and later the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Hopkinton where he met and married the love of his life and started his family. Bob worked as a carpenter and was a member of the Local 475 Carpenters Union.
Bob was an acolyte at St. John the Evangelist Church and taught CCD and RCIA. One example of his deep faith is visible in the cross he built that stands outside the church today. He was deeply involved in a wide variety of community service activities in Hopkinton, among them coaching Pop Warner football, hosting an annual cookout for the Hopkinton Seniors and participating in the Fourth of July Horribles Parade.
While it is easy to list his many life achievements, Bob is best known for his kindness, wicked humor and gentlemanly demeanor. Everyone was always welcome at his home, where they would try to pick up the quarter nailed to his front step while he laughed. He could often be found in his screen house cheering on all the Boston teams or tending to his gardens.
He is survived by his five children Andrea Burke and husband Paul, Adam and wife Stephanie, Robert Jr, Adrian and wife Mary Beth, and Sabrina Wiley and husband Jason. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. from the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday, October 15 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd. Suite 102, PMB609, Oceanside, CA 92057; or the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.
