Robert H. Antil, 89, of New Bedford died peacefully Monday, March 27, 2023 at home surrounded by his family and friends after a period of declining health. He was the husband of the late Eileen M. (Prescott) Antil.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph and Claire (LeBlond) Antil, he lived in New Bedford for all of his life.
Robert served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, joining at just 17 years old.
He was the proprietor of Bob & Eileen's Super Variety in New Bedford for 39 years until his retirement. After he retired he worked at the New Beford Public School Department in the Cafeteria.
Bob was a member of the Livesey Memorial Club.
"Bob", "Antz", or most importantly "Pumpy", as he was known, had the most infectious smile. Family and friends were the most important thing to him and he loved attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events. He also enjoyed visiting his family in Florida, his Saturday card games, golfing, skiing, white water rafting trips, ziplining, and his 10 skydiving jumps.
He is survived by six children, Jeff Antil and his wife Nancy of Fairhaven, Tammy Souza and her husband Mark of North Port, FL, Susan Lamoureux and her husband Roger of Coventry, RI, Joey Antil of New Bedford, Robert Antil and his wife Heidi of Middleboro, and Shirley Antil of New Bedford; his sister, Sister Aline Antil of Tampa, FL; his former daughter-in-law, Cheryl Antil of New Bedford; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, as well as lifetime friends, Bap and Shirley Baptiste; and his best buddy Richie Ferreira.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Theresa Forand, Cecile Benjamin, Lorraine Ferreira, Roland Antil, Monique Nerbonne, Paul Antil, and Yvette Vaudry.
Bob's family would like to give a special thank you to Community Nurse Homecare and Coastline Elderly Services for their care and compassion.
His Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday, March 31st from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.