Robert E. Chandler, 93, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021. He was the husband of the late Patricia (Dowd) Chandler.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Earl and Alice (Guillet) Chandler, he lived in New Bedford for many years before moving to Rochester.
Robert served proudly in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in England for most of his time in the service.
Robert was a devoted husband, father, and Pappy to his grandkids. He was a hard worker who owned and operated Fairhaven True Value Hardware. He lived in The Pines in Rochester, where he had many wonderful friends. He enjoyed his daily walks with his dog Molly and his neighbors. Robert was a Eucharistic Minister with his wife Pat at St. John Neumann Church for many years. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. Robert attended St. Anthony's High School in New Bedford, and graduated from Bryant College.
Survivors include his children, Robert Chandler, Jr., of Florida, Trish DuBois of Fairhaven, Raymond Chandler and his wife Michelle of New Mexico, and Michael Chandler and his wife Laura of Acushnet; his grandchildren, Maggie, Kelly, Kevin, Brooke, Steven, Christian, Kendall, Rachael, and Mikayla; two step-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Russell; six great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best friend since age 5, J.P. Tetreault.
He is predeceased by his sisters Cecile Liston and her husband Bill, Muriel Curadossi and her husband Al; his sister-in-law Mary and her husband Muddy Gentili; and his son-in-law David C. DuBois.
Robert's family would like to thank the staff at Sippican Nursing Home for the care and compassion that they received.
His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 10 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown. The public is invited to meet directly at Church at 9 AM for a visitation prior to Mass. Private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Robert's memory to the Nemasket Group Inc., 56 Bridge Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.