1918
Robert
2008
Robert P. Congdon
August 24, 1918 — July 2, 2008
Robert P. Congdon, 89, of Mendon, died peacefully Wednesday, July 2, 2008, with his family by his side. He leaves behind his wife and life partner, Helen (Taft) Congdon, with whom he recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He also leaves one daughter, Priscilla Koopman of Northbridge; 3 grandchildren, Dawn Lefrancois of Uxbridge, Shelby Taylor of Parkman, ME, and Jeff Koopman of Northbridge; 6 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marion Taft of Marlboro. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Marjorie Congdon and a sister, Eleanor Allen, both deceased in 2007.
Born in Woonsocket, RI, he was the son of the late Charles B. and Annie V. (Phillips) Congdon. He moved shortly thereafter to Hopedale, where he attended the Hopedale Public Schools, graduating in 1935. He then studied to become a machinist at the former Worcester Boy's Trade School, graduating in 1938. Soon after, Bob started his 41 year career at the former Taft-Peirce Manufacturing Co. in Woonsocket, RI, retiring in 1980 as a machine tool inspector. In 1944, Bob and Helen moved to Mendon, where they have resided ever since.
He was well known for the honey and wonderful fruits and vegetables that he and Helen would grow on their property, known as Birch Alley Farm. Bob dedicated his life to serve others' needs. He was a former Selectman for the Town of Mendon; volunteered many years as the Clerk of the SwanDale Cemetery Assoc.; served as Collector for the Unitarian Congregation of Mendon and Uxbridge, where he was a long time member; and also served on the Board of Directors of the Mendon Friends of the Elderly. He and Helen were long time members of the Worcester County Beekeepers Assoc. and the Mass. Blueberry Grower's Assoc.
Bob was also committed to the support of Masonic efforts. He was a 50 year member of the Montgomery Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Milford and the Solomon's Temple Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Uxbridge, where he served many years as Tyler. He was a member of the Mount Lebanon R.A.C., Aletheia Grotto, and the Gaspee Order #99 of the Sword of Bunker Hill. Bob's interests included baseball and bowling, rounds of cribbage with family and friends, crosswords, working alongside Helen as they maintained the bees and gardens, and tinkering in his workshop. Bob firmly believed that "duct tape fixes anything!"
Bob's wishes were that donations be made to the Solomon's Temple Lodge A.F. & A.M., 20 Court St, Uxbridge, MA 01569 or the Montgomery Lodge A.F. & A.M., 155 Main St, Milford, MA 01757; or to a charity of one's choice.
Calling hours will immediately follow from 5 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mendon Unitarian Church, 13 Maple Street, Mendon.
Following the funeral, Bob will be laid to rest beside his daughter, Marjorie,
in SwanDale Cemetery, Providence Rd., Mendon.
Born in Woonsocket, RI, he was the son of the late Charles B. and Annie V. (Phillips) Congdon. He moved shortly thereafter to Hopedale, where he attended the Hopedale Public Schools, graduating in 1935. He then studied to become a machinist at the former Worcester Boy's Trade School, graduating in 1938. Soon after, Bob started his 41 year career at the former Taft-Peirce Manufacturing Co. in Woonsocket, RI, retiring in 1980 as a machine tool inspector. In 1944, Bob and Helen moved to Mendon, where they have resided ever since.
He was well known for the honey and wonderful fruits and vegetables that he and Helen would grow on their property, known as Birch Alley Farm. Bob dedicated his life to serve others' needs. He was a former Selectman for the Town of Mendon; volunteered many years as the Clerk of the SwanDale Cemetery Assoc.; served as Collector for the Unitarian Congregation of Mendon and Uxbridge, where he was a long time member; and also served on the Board of Directors of the Mendon Friends of the Elderly. He and Helen were long time members of the Worcester County Beekeepers Assoc. and the Mass. Blueberry Grower's Assoc.
Bob was also committed to the support of Masonic efforts. He was a 50 year member of the Montgomery Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Milford and the Solomon's Temple Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Uxbridge, where he served many years as Tyler. He was a member of the Mount Lebanon R.A.C., Aletheia Grotto, and the Gaspee Order #99 of the Sword of Bunker Hill. Bob's interests included baseball and bowling, rounds of cribbage with family and friends, crosswords, working alongside Helen as they maintained the bees and gardens, and tinkering in his workshop. Bob firmly believed that "duct tape fixes anything!"
Bob's wishes were that donations be made to the Solomon's Temple Lodge A.F. & A.M., 20 Court St, Uxbridge, MA 01569 or the Montgomery Lodge A.F. & A.M., 155 Main St, Milford, MA 01757; or to a charity of one's choice.
Service Details
A Masonic Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2008 in the funeral home.Calling hours will immediately follow from 5 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mendon Unitarian Church, 13 Maple Street, Mendon.
Following the funeral, Bob will be laid to rest beside his daughter, Marjorie,
in SwanDale Cemetery, Providence Rd., Mendon.
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