Robert Thore Gustafson, age 88, passed away Friday, August 24th at home.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, E. Marcia (Hooker) Gustafson; his two children, The Rev. Lisabeth M. Gustafson, former Pastor of the Old Mystic Baptist Church, and Donald P. Gustafson.
Bob was the son of Thore and Clara (Benson) Gustafson. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Engwall, formerly of Worcester, now residing in Beavercreek, Ohio. He was predeceased by his sister Ethel V. Nelson and brothers Walter, Roy, Carl, Ralph (Nick) and G. Herbert Gustafson.
Mr. Gustafson was a lifetime resident of the Worcester/West Boylston area. He grew up in the Quinsigamond area of Worcester. After graduating from South High School in 1937, he joined the Navy, serving throughout World War II. He was serving on a cruiser during the attack on Pearl Harbor and then transferred to submarine duty in the Pacific for the remainder of the war.
After returning home from the service, Mr. Gustafson went to work for the New England Telephone Company where he worked for over 37 years.
Mr. Gustafson was an avid "rail fan" he also loved photography, trains and his family his favorite subjects.
His family will gather for a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Hospice c/o UMass Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613-9938.
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