Dr. Robert Stephen Hackett

Dr. Robert Stephen Hackett, DMD, age 85 of Fall River passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 14, 2014. He was the husband of Mildred A. (Astle) Hackett with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage on June 25, 2014.

Dr. Hackett was born in Fall River, MA on February 6, 1929 to the late Dr. John Henry Hackett, DMD and Madeline M. (Martin) Hackett, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He attended Sacred Heart School where he had been a proud member of its championship CYO baseball team, and graduated from Bishop Coyle High School in Taunton, Class of 1946. He was a World War II Veteran of the United States Army, having served from September 27, 1946 until February 14, 1948.

He did his undergraduate studies at Providence College and graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1955. He did his internship and residency at Boston City Hospital, which included specialized training in anesthesia and was named Chief Resident of Oral Surgery in his final year.

In 1956, he opened private practice in Fall River as the first Diplomate of The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He continued as a visiting instructor in both the Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology Departments at Tufts for several years. During his tenure, he served as Chief of Oral Surgery for a period of time at both Saint Anne’s and Union Hospitals. He completed his professional career at Charlton Memorial Hospital and eventually retired in 1999 at the age of 70.

In his younger years, Robert enjoyed sailing his S-Boat with his brother Jack and friends in the Regattas on Narragansett Bay. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed 55 years of membership at the Fall River Country Club, and 14 years at the Heritage Ridge Country Club in Hobe Sound, FL during his winters there. Dr. Hackett was also a voracious reader who had a heart for adventure and travel. His most treasured trip was to Rome to see the Pope with his beloved wife to celebrate her 75th birthday. Dr. Hackett was also a devoted communicant of Holy Name Church for 49 years and Sacred Heart Parish prior thereto.

His large, loving family was his greatest accomplishment, enjoyment, and legacy and truly all he ever wanted. He gave and received unconditional love to and from his wife, his 8 “favorite” children and his 18 “Lovey Faces”.

Surviving in addition to his wife and best friend are 8 Children, all his Favorites: Patricia A. McConnell and her husband Timothy of Lexington, SC, Robert Stephen Hackett, Jr. of Mattapoisett, Ann M. Hackett Ratte and her husband Donald of Portsmouth, RI, John Henry Hackett of San Leandro, CA, Kathleen A. McDermott and her husband James of Seekonk, MA, Colleen A. Gustafson and her husband Paul of Boston, MA, Jane A. Hackett Tetreault and her husband Claude of Fall River and Jo Ann Hackett Medeiros and her husband Matthew of Dartmouth. He was loving and devoted Pumpa to his 18 Lovey Face Kids: Katharine Joy and Emily Elizabeth McConnell, Julia Phoebe and Laura Ann Nasser, Jennifer Katherine, Sarah Ann and Michael Carl McDermott, Michael Paul, Matthew Robert and Jenna Colleen Gustafson, Christopher Lucien, Matthew Claude and Catherine Jane-Ella Tetreault, Mark T., John M., Eric J., Kelly Jane and Kristen Ann Medeiros. He was also brother of the late Rt. Rev. Monsignor John H. Hackett, JCD who was the Vice Chancellor to Bishop James L. Connolly.

His Funeral will be held Monday, 8/18 at 9:00 am from Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River with a Mass of Celebration at 10:00 am in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St, Fall River followed by burial with Military Honors in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 2 to 6 pm.

Contributions in his memory may be sent to Holy Name Church or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. Visit www.waring-sullivan.com for directions and tributes.