Robert F. Hurd

GARDNER – Robert F. Hurd, 72, of 75 Prospect Street, formerly of Ashburnham, died peacefully Saturday morning, August 15th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Portland, Maine on October 13, 1942, son of the late Edward W. and Carolyn (Little) Hurd.  Bob grew up in Westbrook, Maine, where he graduated from Westbrook High School.  During his teens, he served in the Civil Air Patrol.  He then attended Wentworth Institute and graduated with an associate’s degree in Aeronautical and Space Engineering.  Bob was a resident of Ashburnham for 18 years and a resident of Gardner for the last nine years.

Bob first worked at Monsanto Chemical Company and then worked as a District Boy Scout Executive.  He later worked in the insurance field as an underwriter for commercial property, working in many areas of New England.  At the age of 50, Bob retired from Murphy Insurance Co. in Hudson, MA.

Bob was an active member of the Ashburnham Lions Club for many years.  He was a past president and received the Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship Award and Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.  He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Gardner, serving on its diaconate and several committees, including its Music Committee.  He was a past patron and former member of Jessamine Chapter #75 Order of Eastern Star and a former member of Hope Lodge of Masons.  His hobbies were camping and fishing and spending time with his family.

He leaves his wife of 46 years, Joyce J. “Jody” (Jenkins) Hurd; two children, Aaron R. Hurd and his wife Michelle of Attleboro and Katharine J. “Kate” Larocque of Montague; three grandchildren, Devon Hurd and her partner Robert Bennett, Megan Hurd and Ethan Hurd; a great grandson, Ian William Robert Bennett, nieces and nephews.  A brother, Ronald Hurd, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 19th at 11 A.M. in First Baptist Church, 14 High Street, Gardner.  The Rev. Jim Hinds will officiate.  Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Tuesday, August 18th from 5 to 7 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to Crystal House, 55 Lake Street #100, Gardner, MA 01440.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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