DUDLEY – Robert L. Rock, 87, a lifelong resident of Dudley, died Saturday, July 14, 2018, in Saint Camillus Health Center, Whitinsville, surrounded by his family. His devoted wife of 52 years, Sylvia T. (Stawasz) Rock, passed away in 2009.
He leaves his daughter, Jane E. & her husband Julian MacDonnell, Jr.; 2 cherished grandchildren, Katherine E. MacDonnell and Julian E. MacDonnell, III all of Uxbridge; a brother, Paul J. Rock of Webster; several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother Bernard J. Rock.
He was born and raised in Dudley the eldest son of Louis A. & Mary A. (Rybacki) Rock. He was a graduate of Bartlett High School class of 1949 where he was captain of the football team and played baseball. After serving his country in Korea, he enrolled in Nichols College and earned his Associates Degree in Business Administration in 1955. He was the captain of the Nichols football team.
He worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT for 34 ½ years as an engine parts inspector.
Mr. Rock was a Corporal in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952 serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Army Reserves for 12 years and the Army National Guard Reserves for 13 years. He was an active politician in the town of Dudley, holding positions on the Board of Selectman, Assessor’s Office, Tree Warden, Board of Health, and Veteran’s Agent just to name a few. He loved serving the people of his town. He was a member of the Dudley PNA, the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post 184 and he was also a member of the Nichols Alumni Association.
He was a member of Saint Andrew Bobola Church in Dudley.
He was an avid sports fan especially of the NE Patriots, Boston Celtics and the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed word jumbles and playing cards. He looked forward to playing bingo and any of the other activities that were offered at St. Camillus. His greatest treasure was time spent with his family.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 17, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial with military honors will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Visiting hours will be from 9:00 to 10:30 AM Tuesday in the funeral home, prior to the Mass. Donations in his name may be made to the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council, 4 Veterans Way, Webster, MA or to St. Camillus Patient Activities Fund, 447 Hill St., Whitinsville, MA 01588.