Northborough – René Robledo, 66, passed away at Marlborough Hospital on July 13, 2024 after a period of declining health due to kidney disease. He was predeceased by his parents Perfecto Robledo and Conrada Rosario as well as his two older brothers, Rolando and Ruben Robledo.
René leaves his longtime partner, Cynthia Merchant of Northborough, who served for many years as his primary caregiver. He also leaves his daughter Lara Robledo and his grandchildren Yariel and Nyeema, as well as son Marco Robledo, his sister Raquel Robledo, her husband Reymond Knight Shirley, sister in law Malika Robledo and many nieces and nephews, along with his adopted daughter Bianca Cruz and her children.
Born in Brooklyn N.Y. on October 17, 1958, René would often recall stories of how, at just 7 years old, he would run to catch the ladder on the back of the city busses in order to get around the city and of eagerly shoveling for his neighbors to earn spending money. When he was 10, his family moved back to Puerto Rico where he became interested in construction. At the age of 15 he was already working on jobsites, first during high school and later while attending the University of Puerto Rico where he earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Humanities and Education.
René moved to Fitchburg in 1990 and began work as an institutional carpenter at Clinton Hospital. In 1995 he began working for the Fitchburg Public Schools as a maintenance worker which led to his being offered a position as an Occupational Education Instructor at the former B.F. Brown School in Fitchburg. There, he worked with at-risk students in the alternative education program. When funding was cut for the program, he returned to carpentry for a number of years.
In 2014, when he was no longer able to continue due to health reasons, he enrolled at Mount Wachusett Community College, earning his Energy Management Certificate, a field he had hoped to one day return.
René was a man of great curiosity and a very strong work ethic. He worked for decades in the carpentry and construction trades and took great pride in the quality of the work he produced. He was also a voracious learner who would research and read endlessly. He was deeply grateful to Cynthia for her support as they navigated his health challenges together.
Arrangements have been under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. www.HaysFuneralHome.com. At this time, no public services are planned.
Donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation.
