Shrewsbury – Robert R. “Bob” Pape, 83, longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 21, 2022 in his home.
He leaves his devoted wife of 53 years, Delphine S. Pape; their loving daughter, Delphine Soucie and her husband Matthew, of West Simsbury, CT; his brother, Rev. William H. Pape, of the Diocese of Albany, NY; along with many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, the late Rocco and Nancy (Frangella) Pape; his brothers, the late Joseph R. Pape, John P. Pape, Carmino A. Pape, Alfred E. Pape, Edward J. Pape, and Lawrence A. Pape; and his brother-in-law, Charles J. Sbarboro.
Bob was born in Ravena, NY. As the seventh of eight sons, he grew up learning the value of family, hard work, and a strong faith. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Siena College, Loudonville, NY prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served honorably until 1963. He was a 1970 graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s School of Industrial Management and later was the recipient of the school’s Albert H. Schwieger Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement. In 2019, Bob was humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate degree from Anna Maria College.
He enjoyed a successful 34-year career with the former Jamesbury Corporation/Neles Jamesbury, now Valmet until he retired in 1998 as President of the Industrial Valve Division.
Bob was happiest when he was helping someone else and he valued the impact that education can have on a person’s life. As a result, he spent a great deal of time serving on boards at several educational institutions in the Worcester area. He also was a member of the Adopt-A-Student Steering Committee for several decades and was Chairman of the Steering Committee.
He served on the Board of Trustees for the Adams Farm community, where he and Delphine spent many wonderful years with special neighbors. In his free time, Bob could be found golfing at the Worcester Country Club, where he sat on the Board of Governors. He was a faithful parishioner, daily communicant, and lector at his beloved parish of St. Mary’s in Shrewsbury. He also was a member of the First Friday Club.
Bob was a devoted son, brother, husband and father. Time spent with his family was most important to him and he looked forward to family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
He and Delphine enjoyed travelling and especially looked forward to annual trips to Bermuda with their dear group of friends of over 25 years, the ‘LongTales, Ltd.’
His family would like to thank Dr. Deepika Devuni as well as the doctors, nurses and EMTs from UMASS/Memorial’s Hospital at Home program and the caregivers at JM Home Healthcare for the outstanding care that Bob received.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following educational organizations. Adopt-A-Student, for the benefit of the Robert R Pape Memorial Scholarship Fund, 49 Elm Street Worcester, MA 01609; Saint Mary’s School, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury MA 01545; or to Siena College, Development Office, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 where a scholarship endowment will be established in his memory. Checks may be made to your chosen organization with “Bob Pape Memorial” noted in the memo section.
Calling hours will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St, Shrewsbury. His funeral will be on Saturday, August 27, 2022 with a funeral Mass celebrated at 1:00 PM at Saint Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St, Northborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
