Robert P. Goodfellow

PETERSHAM- Robert P. Goodfellow, 80, of Hardwick Road, died early Sunday morning, February 25, 2024 at the Odd Fellows Home in Worcester.

Born in Boston on September 3, 1943, he was the son of John E. and Esther (Curran) Goodfellow grew up in Dedham and Needham and graduated from Needham High School in 1961. While at Needham High, Robert played on the wrestling and hockey teams.

Following high school, Robert attended Northeastern University one year as well as working for Micro Lab in Needham.

On August 26, 1963, Robert enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning a Vietnam Service medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal as well as a National Defense medal. He was honorably discharged on July 14, 1966.

Robert was married to Anne Marie (MacNeil) on October 19, 1968, and they lived in Needham until 1980 at which time they moved to Petersham and have enjoyed over 55 years of marriage and raising their family.

A police officer for the Needham Police Department, Robert served 13 years before an accidental injury forced him to retire.

Robert joined the volunteer Petersham Fire Department until requested to retire at 72 years of age. He was a member of the former Athol-Orange Elks Lodge #1837, the Petersham American Legion, Petersham Grange, and above all else he was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Parish.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Anne Marie Goodfellow of Petersham; children, David Goodfellow and his wife, Roxanna, of Texas, and Susan Armstrong and her husband, David, of Petersham; grandchildren, Alexander Armstrong and Benjamin Armstrong; his sister, Patricia (Goodfellow) Condon of Florida; nieces, Kelly Carreria and her husband, Charles, Lauren Goodfellow, and Grace Goodfellow; nephews, William Condon and his wife, Amy, and Garrett Goodfellow; and many friends.

Besides his parents, Robert was predeceased by brothers, Richard, John and Francis, as well as uncles and aunts, Robert Charles, Virginia and Robert Curran, Faustina and Joe O’Connell.

Calling hours will be held on March 8, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Parish, 18 North Street, Petersham on March 9, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Interment will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s, c/o Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol, MA 01331, The Petersham Fire Dept. Association, or the Petersham Police Dept. Association, both are at P.O. Box 486, Petersham, MA 01366- 0486.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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