Northborough – Robert E. Rochette, longtime resident of Northborough, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at the age of 94, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Grace M. (Belton) Rochette.
Robert was born in Worcester, the son of the late Clarence H. and Alma B. (Cardinal) Rochette, and attended Worcester Public Schools, graduating in 1940.
Among his survivors, Robert leaves two sons, Robert E. Rochette Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Raymond, N.H. and Richard P. Rochette of Grand Junction, Col.; two daughters, Paula A. Turcotte and her husband Bob of Murphy, N.C. and Patrice Rochette and her husband Jack Lacaire of Newburyport; five grandchildren, Tara, Jennifer, Stephanie, Jacqueline, and Max; and two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Emily. In addition, he leaves two sisters, Beverly Downing of Spencer and Phyllis Belmore of North Brookfield. Four of Robert’s brothers, Ernest, Donald, Richard, and Kenneth, as well as a sister, Beatrice Lareau, preceded him in death.
He served his country with distinction between 1942-1945 as a Marine in the South Pacific, where he helped support the invasion of the Philippines. He attained the rank of Staff Sargent and was discharged with full honors.
After the war, Robert worked 20 years in machine tooling and design. He was co-owner in the expansion of Ward Hill Ski Area in Shrewsbury, which he operated for many years; bed and breakfast owner on Cape Cod for 10 years; and a real estate developer in Boylston.
A funeral Mass for Robert will be celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 11a.m., from the St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main St., Northborough. Burial, with military honors, will be in Howard Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 4-6 p.m., in the Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Honor Flight New England, PO Box 16287, Hookset, NH 03106 or to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Rd., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
To leave a story or condolence, please visit Robert’s Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
