Robert Louis Paquette, born in Lynn, MA to Louis and Cecelia (Osborne) Paquette on July 23, 1937, passed away on July 16th in New Hampshire, with his daughter at his side. He was predeceased by his wife Carol (Soderholm) Paquette.
Bob is survived by his daughters Janice Knox of Massachusetts and Tracy Long (Michael McMahon) of New Hampshire, as well as his grandchildren Staff Sergeant Joseph Knox and wife Stephanie (TX), Richard Knox (MA), Daniel Knox (MA), Andrew Long (NH) and Amanda Long (ME).
He is also survived by his siblings Edward Paquette and his wife Barbara of North Carolina, Maureen Nazaroff and her husband David of Maine, Elaine Giannelli (Fred) of Massachusetts, Kate Foley (Bob) of Florida and Lorry Borrelli and her husband Jim of Massachusetts. He loved them very much and kept in regular contact with them. He also leaves his sisters-in-law Linda (Soderholm) Collier (DE) and Janice Soderholm (Bruce) (MA), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Jean Beaupre.
He is also survived by many dear, lifelong friends who kept in touch regularly, including Paul, Addy, Cathie and Dan. The family thanks you all for “keeping an eye on him.”
In 1954, at 17 years old, Bob enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War as a Basic Airman. He was on active duty until 1957. He was stationed in a few places, although France was the one he most talked about. He transferred to the AF Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962.
During his time in the AFR, he met the love of his life Carol Soderholm. They were married in 1959 and celebrated almost 51 years together until her death in 2010. He was a wonderful caretaker to Carol when she was in need, as well as Bruce and Marjorie Soderholm, Carol’s parents, when they were in need. Carol very much appreciated what he did for her and her parents. Both Bob and Carol loved their family and friends, traveling, laughing and each other.
In the early years after they were married, Bob was a milkman for Hillcrest Farms Dairy in West Bridgewater, MA, which was owned by his father in law, Bruce C. Soderholm. During this time he earned his certification to become an accountant. He then became office manager for King’s Department Stores in Newton, MA. After leaving King’s, he worked at a few different companies in the Boston area, but found his niche as a purchasing agent at Factory Mutual Insurance Co. in Dedham, MA where he worked for 17 years. He really enjoyed being a buyer. Early retirement from Factory Mutual led to 5 years of purchasing for United Way in Boston. Once he was officially retired, he became a flower delivery driver for John’s Greenhouse in Brockton, MA for several years. Finally, he drove a van for the town of West Bridgewater picking up senior citizens and bringing them to and from the senior center for lunches.
At the age of 75, a few years after Carol’s death, deciding he was done with winter and missing his love, Bob sold the family home and moved to the Villages in Florida. He lived his life independently for the following 10 years. He embraced his “McLong” family in New Hampshire where he summered and planned on living out the rest of his life.
A happy soul and a very young 85 year old, Bob passed away a week before his 86th birthday. Bob was exceptionally smart, exceptionally happy, a bit mischievous, a gentle soul and a gentleman. He was an exceptional person who will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton on July 26th from 10:00-11:30am, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30am. Bob will be buried in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater with military honors, immediately followed by a celebration of his life nearby.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to St Jude Children’s Hospital, a charity he very much cared about, would be more important to him. Or if you have a high ball in his honor, that would make him happy too.