Robert Joseph Cormier

Robert J. Cormier, Sr. Orange – Robert Joseph Cormier, Sr., 85, of Eagleville Road, died Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.      Robert was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, February 28, 1929, the son of Alyre and Arlene (Derosier) Cormier.  He grew up in Fitchburg  having lived on Beech St. and Hardy Passway.  He attended Fitchburg schools, also living in Leominster and since 1984 has resided in Orange.        He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 172nd Infantry from 1951 until 1957.  Robert worked for Nichols and Stone Furniture Company in Gardner for nine years until his retirement.  He had previously worked at Baystate Plastics in Leominster for 30 years and for Independent Lock Company in Fitchburg.  He was a member of the Orange American Legion Post # 172.   Robert was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, enjoyed bingo, and watching golf.  He always enjoyed visiting people and being independent all of his life.      He leaves nine children, Michael Cormier and his friend Donna of Leominster, Debra Hanks and her husband Edward of Orange, Gary Cormier and his wife Joi of Gardner, David Cormier and his friend Jen of Fitchburg, Robert Cormier, Jr. of Orange, Holly Heil of Germany, Debbie Marceau and her husband Jed of FL, Craig Wonkka and his friend Donna and Ron Cormier and his friend Gina, both of Orange.  He also leaves many grandchildren, two brothers, Donald Cormier and his wife Louise and Al Cormier and his wife Mary, both of Leominster and a sister Jeannette Roy of Fitchburg and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife June Robertson in 1974 and his second wife Nancy Gallant in 1999.      Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  A service with military honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.    In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made in Robert’s name to: a charity of the donor’s choice  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });