Robert J. Baronas

ATHOL - Robert James Baronas Sr., 64 years old, of 626 Cottage St. in Athol, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 18, 2008, after a sudden and brief illness. Born in Athol on December 3, 1943, he was the son of the late Alphonse and Yvonne (Roussel) Baronas. Bob, as he liked to be called, attended Athol schools and graduated in 1961. After graduating, Bob committed himself into the workforce, which included Vermont Yankee Power Plant, H&R 1871 and most recently retired from L.S. Starrett Co. Bob lived a full life with many passions. He had a great love for the outdoors and was considered a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, camping and boating. Bob was very passionate about muscle cars and horsepower and had been since he was a child. Bob also had a great love for the sport of billiards in which he has received many awards and trophies in his many years of participation. Bob was known for active participation in numerous outdoor and fraternal clubs. Bob was a longstanding member of the Athol-Orange Elks Lodge, the Athol-Orange Pool League, the Franklin County Pool League, the Petersham Country Club, The Petersham Gun Club and Mount Grace Sno Snoopers. Beyond these organizations, Bob was truly passionate about nature, especially his love for the ocean. He demonstrated this with frequent boating trips to his favorite destination (Parker River Wildlife Refuge at Plum Island), and also in his standing as a member of the Audubon for many years. Bob leaves behind three children with his former wife Donna (Camden) Baronas: his son, Robert Baronas, Jr. and his wife Kelly Baxter-Baronas of South Mills, NC; his daughter, Chris-Ann Baronas and her partner Mike Coburn, his daughter Nicole Baronas and her partner Patrick Shea, all of Athol; one brother, Henry "Sonny" Baronas and his wife Karen of Shutesbury; three grandchildren, Jeremy Baronas and his partner Seana Harris, Camden Baxter-Baronas, and Kolbin Baronas. He also leaves behind his partner Cynthia Coffin, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. Bob was predeceased by several aunts and by his beloved black lab Duke. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, February 20, 2008 from 5-7 p.m. at Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main St., Athol. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. Bob would like for all of his well wishers to be comfortable, so please feel free to come in casual attire. The family has asked in lieu of flowers to please make contributions to your cancer charity of choice. There are no words to truly describe Bob's impact on those he met. His friends were numerous and scattered wherever he traveled. He was always sincere, warm and friendly. Somewhere, Bob is driving fast, looking for the next great adventure and smiling widely! For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskefuneralhome.com. Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });