On Sunday, September 16, 2018, Robert V. Cournoyer of Easton formerly of Brockton, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Bob was a former Brockton postman, Bridgewater postmaster and proud World War II veteran. He served in the army as a member of The Fighting 90th Infantry Division landing on Utah Beach. After a month of intense ground warfare, his fighting days were curtailed when his decimated group was captured by German paratroopers In July of 1944. He was imprisoned in Germany for the next 10 months until he escaped and made his way to the allied lines. After the war, Bob returned to Brockton and married “his girl,” Eleanor G. Shea. On June 6, 2018, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
After retiring from the US Postal Service, he recounted his wartime experiences to local high school students in partnership with another Brockton POW and friend, Irving Watnick. Bob was a member of the VFW, American Legion and DAV and Past Chapter Commander of American Ex-Prisoners of War.
Eleanor and Bob were the proud parents of six children: Robert (Ellen), Paul (Patty), Joan (Spencer) Bernstein, David (Deb), Susan (Bill) Benson, Richard (Christine); 14 grand-children and 10 great-grand-children. Bob was well-liked by all and gave his children and grand-children the inspired gifts of honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic. His empathy, encouragement and guidance will be truly missed by family and friends.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton, Friday, September 21, from 10-11am followed by a Funeral Service at 11a.m. Burial at a later date in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to Army Specialist Keith D Benson Scholarship Fund, Dedham Savings Bank, 55 Elm St, Dedham, Ma 02026.