Of Walpole, entered into rest December 30th 2022.
Beloved husband of Susan (O’Brien) Poirier, devoted father to Robert R. Jr. (Kimberly), Michael (Paula), Amy, and Kevin (Ryan Elizabeth). Cherished grandfather of Matthew, Sarah, and Jacob, and stepfather to Michael, James, and Joseph Russo. Loving brother to Don, Carol, Rich, and Evie. Beloved friend, cousin, and uncle to many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Robert was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 38 years Virginia (Petrucci), his brothers Douglas and Donald the 1st, parents Evelyn and Ovelia, and many loved friends and family.
On behalf of his children:
Our dad had a passion for the appliance business, with some calling him “Royalty of the Appliance Industry”. Dad and his father “Bud” started out as a commercial refrigeration service business in Charlestown, which they later sold, then formed “Poirier Service Corp.” — a home appliance service company—nearly 60 years ago, in Norwood.
Almost by happenstance, it evolved to “Sales” and Service:
While servicing a clothes washer one afternoon (the service charge being $4.95 back then) dad determined the appliance was better replaced than repaired. The woman asked if he could sell them a new one. Having never sold appliances, he had to ask his dad. Upon reaching out to the appliance industry, they were told they had to purchase a minimum of five to do so. This was a big investment for them! Fortunately, they made that investment. Today— nearly 60 years later— the business employs over 100 people and helps to provide a better life for all those with whom he worked.
Another “key” moment was dad’s decision to be part of a buying group — originally known as Key— way back in 1985. He served as vice president for many of its critical, formative years. Known now as “The New England Appliance Group” it is one of the largest appliance-buying groups in the country, with no small thanks to dad.
Bob and Virginia — his wife of 38 years until she passed on March 3rd 1999— as well as his second wife, Susan, loved to travel, often venturing off the beaten path, outside the tourist areas, to have a meal or beverage with the locals in a pub (or even at their home!).
Recalling a time when my brother Bob Jr. and I went to a “James Bond” movie— of course, 007 traveled the world over —with each different country portrayed Bob Jr would say, “our parents were there, our parents were there, our parents were there”; until finally, the couple in front turned to us: “where HAVENT your parents been”.
Our dad has faced many challenges: he and his eldest brother Donny were afflicted with polio at a young age. His brother lost that battle (which the doctors decided not to tell the younger brother, Bob, so as to not lose hope while still in the hospital).
Challenges extended to raising a family and managing a new business, outperforming the competition, and more, but dad always faced those challenges head-on — doing what needed to be done. Not always the “popular” decision — but it always seemed to be the right one.
Our father was a proud member of the Board of directors at Norwood Hospital, a member of the local Chamber of Commerce (as we are today), and a lifelong member of the Westwood Lions (where sons Michael and Kevin still serve), and where he served as President 3 times. A recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award — the highest form of recognition in Lionism— our dad was among the few Westwood Lions to ever receive this award.
Dad was also a passionate, skilled horseshoe player, card player, and pool player — through all of these passions, our dad always found a way to be with, and include his family. Whatever the event—no matter how large or small—the family gathered. Whether it be a Sunday afternoon visit with his parents, brothers, or sisters, a Friday dinner with friends, a Holiday, Birthday, a sporting event, or just a warm summer night in the backyard, dad loved to gather with his family. Later in life, Newport RI became his favorite of all places, where he owned a residence, and where family was always invited.
While dad has moved on, he will forever be with us in our hearts, souls, and minds. Always that voice of reason with in us as we move thru our own challenges in life.
We love you dad…
Funeral from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, NORWOOD on Friday January 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 547 Washington Street, Norwood at 11:00 AM. Visiting Hours in the Funeral Home on Thursday January 5, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 PM. Interment Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert's name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
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