Robert J. Kirkwood

January 14, 2019

Robert J. Kirkwood

ORANGE- Robert J. Kirkwood, 68, of Stone Valley Road, died unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 11, 2019 after being stricken ill.

Born in Fitchburg on November 17, 1950, he was a son of the late Robert A. and Shirley (Lunderville) Kirkwood and grew up in Leominster.

Robert enlisted into the United States Army on August 28, 1970 and served during the Vietnam era, stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado. He was honorably discharged on May 8, 1973.

In 1977, Robert married Karen (Tarmasewicz) and have enjoyed over 41 years of marriage and raising a family.

Employed by Peterborough Oil Company for many years as a manager, Robert later went to work for Munksjo Paper and retired from there in 2015.

Robert was a huge sports fan and loved the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He was quick with math and loved working on cars. Robert enjoyed playing cards with his granddaughters and was known to be a practical joker. He loved his dogs, currently “Brady”, and past dogs “Max” and “Leo”.

Survivors include his loving wife, Karen Kirkwood of Orange; children, Tracy Gilman and her husband, Scott, of Phillipston, Robert S. Kirkwood and his wife, Joyce, and Kelly Kirkwood, all of Orange; grandchildren, Victoria Chase of Vermont, Kaitlynn Chase and Maggie Chase, both of Phillipston; sisters, Sheila Martin and her husband, Woodrow, of Lunenburg, and Donna Bratkon and her husband, Mario, of Fitchburg; an aunt, Arlene Bauer of Leominster; and many nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Marcia Thomas.

There are no calling hours.

Services with military honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, on January 25, 2019 at 10 a.m.

A celebration of life will immediately follow at 8 Wilson Drive in Westminster.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Orange Firemen’s Relief Association, 18 Water Street, Orange, MA 01364 in Robert’s memory.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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