Robert "Bob" Maki

GARDNER--Robert ‘Bob’ Nestor Maki died peacefully at home on Friday, July 20, 2018. He was born June 26, 1937 in Gardner, MA the son of the late Oiva A. Maki and Ellen (Berg) Maki. Bob graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1955. He received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in 1960 and completed graduate work in Naval Architecture at M.I.T. in 1962. He served in the U.S.A.R-Infantry and was a member of American Legion Post 129 in Gardner. He enjoyed playing music, golf, and working with people during his 58 years of government and public service. In 1961 he was hired by the Boston Naval Shipyard as a Naval Architect designer and in 1966 he was chosen as Structural Design Chief, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, USN at the General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy, MA. In 1972 he was hired by the New England Division, Army Corps of Engineers in Waltham, MA where he held supervisory positions with the Engineering Directorate until his retirement in 1994. Following his retirement from Federal Service he pursued his love of wetland conservation. After moving back home to Gardner, he served as the Conservation Agent for the towns of Winchendon, Templeton, and Westminster for the next 24 years. Bob also wrote and published four novels and continued to play his keyboard and saxophone, the love of which was fostered during his youth playing with various groups in Gardner and ultimately with the StarDusters Orchestra. He leaves his wife, Nancy Keith Maki, of Gardner; a son, Eric, and his wife Jessica, of Cambridge; a daughter, Kristin, of Providence, RI; and stepchildren David Keith and his wife Kristin, of Attleboro; Michael Keith and his wife Kim, of North Attleboro; Christopher Keith of Assonet; and Leslie (Keith) Grant and her husband Jon, of Canton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren. He is predeceased by his father and mother and first wife, Clare (Grogan) Maki. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the First Congregational Church 28 Green St., Gardner. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery, Cohasset. Calling hours will be held from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, in Gardner. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Living Memorial Fund, First Congregational Church of Gardner, 28 Green Street or to the American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Road, #301, Framingham, MA 01701. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Home - Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.