Robert M. Tyler

ATHOL- Robert M. Tyler, 88, of 95 Elm Street, died Thursday, December 12, 2002 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, following an illness. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Berta (Harper) Tyler; a daughter, Susan Schneider and her husband, Jonathan A. Schneider of Orlando, Florida; and three grandchildren, Katherine N. Schneider, Robert D. Schneider, and Jonathan M. Schneider. A son, Robert M. Tyler, Jr. died in 1993. He was born in Athol, March 30, 1914, son of E. Warren and Bertha (Matthews) Tyler, and lived here most of his life. He graduated from Athol High School with the class of 1932, and from Dartmouth College in 1936. Mr. Tyler began his career working for Athol Manufacturing Company, producer of coated fabrics, in 1936. He served in various sales capacities prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1942. He served as captain at the Army Air Base Service Unit, Alaska Air Command before being discharged in 1946. He rejoined Athol Manufacturing as the sales manager, and in 1958 became Executive Vice-President of the company. From 1963 until 1967, he was General Manager and C.E.O for the company, which had moved to North Carolina. Upon returning to Athol in 1967, he founded Tyler-Mirick Vinyls, Inc., where he served as president of the company until his retirement in 1976. He was a member of the Athol Congregational Church, and was a longtime treasurer for the Athol-Area YMCA. He also served as a trustee and was on the Board of Investment for the Athol Savings Bank, and was a director for the L. S. Starrett Company for several years. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed canoeing and fishing, and hiking around the Quabbin Reservoir. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Athol Area United Way, 545 Main Street, Athol, 01331 or to the Athol-Area YMCA, 545 Main Street, Athol, 01331. J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });