Robert James Hurst

PHILLIPSTON- Robert James Hurst, 79, of Phillipston, died Tuesday, May 19, at UMass Medical Center, after a short illness. He was born December 9, 1935, in Winchendon, son of the late Jeremiah and Agnes (Hamel) Hurst. Mr. Hurst served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Hurst was a licensed pipe fitter, backhoe operator, and oil burner technician, also a great carpenter, and an exceptional welder. He loved to play guitar, piano, and sing. He worked at the Fernald School for many years where he is remembered for his hard work but more importantly, the way he treated the patients with the utmost dignity and respect. Mr. Hurst was a true innovator. He could make or fix anything. He loved cars and was truly ahead of his time. In the 1970’s, he designed and created his own electric car which was featured in Hemmings Motor News. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed working in his barn on the many projects he had going. He also loved working alongside his son at Hurst Auto. He was a warm and loving father. He was kind, caring, and always willing to help anyone in need. He also enjoyed wildlife and nature. His loving wife of 30 years, Marion P. (Hopkins) Hurst, died in 1992. He leaves his son, James Hurst and his wife, Anne of Gardner; twin daughters, Patricia Hess and her husband, Robert of Milford, NH, and Roberta Russell of Holden; his fiance, Janet Lufkin; six grandchildren, Katie Richardson and her husband, Joe of Columbus, GA, Daniel Hurst of Gardner, Kaitlyn Marion Hess, and Bobby Hess, Jr., both of Milford, NH, Matthew Russell and Lauren Russell, both of Holden. The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 27, at 11:00 A.M. in Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Baldwinville. Calling hours are Tuesday, May 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home.