Robert A. LaPointe

PETERSHAM- Robert A. LaPointe, formerly of Petersham, Massachusetts, passed away on March 22, 2022 at his home in Sandpoint, Idaho from complications of diabetes.

He was born in Petersham on September 14, 1944, the son of the late Arthur A. and Shirley M. (Bryant) LaPointe. Bob attended the Petersham High School and graduated from Ralph C. Mahar High School in Orange, MA in 1962.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served 8 years from March 1963 to July 1971 with the rank of MM1. While in the Navy, he attended Nuclear Power School in Idaho, Basic Submarine School, Nuclear Power Welding and Shafting classes in New London, CT, as well as other classes. He was responsible for the evaluation and procurement of reactor system components. He qualified for all watch stations in Engineering, including reactor operator.

From December 1971 to July 1979, Bob worked at Stone and Webster in Material Engineering Division. He also attended Northeastern University- Lincoln College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering in 1983. Much of his career was spent as a consultant, supervisor and/or project manager. Some of the companies he worked for were: EDS Nuclear/Impell Corporation, ERIN,Inc., Bechtel National, Inc., Commonwealth Edison and GENSYS/United Energy Services Corporation (PG&E). He was a member of the American Welding Society, Society of Metals, and Society for Mechanical Engineers. One of the largest publications was “Welding Research Council Bulletin 424, August 1997- Bibliography of the Welding Research Supplements of the Welding Journal from 1950-1960”.

In retirement, Bob created a small tree farm with chestnut seeds as his main crop. He worked in conjunction with the University of Idaho Pitkin Forestry Nursery.

Bob was a kind, generous, loving brother and friend.

He leaves 11 siblings: Katherine “Kay” (William) Berry Jr., and Norman (Theresa) LaPointe, all of Petersham, John (Lois) LaPointe of Sandpoint, ID, Leah Nye of Bedford, NH, Annette Breault of Merrimack, NH, Martha (Jesse) Cole of Petersham, Rita Belanger of Asheville, NC, Leona (Philip) Belanger of North Chelmsford, MA, David (Christina) LaPointe of Athol, Joey (Candace) Lapointe, and George LaPointe and partner Lisa Marden, all of Petersham; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

An informal celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, weather permitting, burial will be in the East Street Cemetery at 2 p.m.   At 2:30 p.m., a gathering will be at the Davis Memorial Building and garden of the Unitarian Church on the Common.

Directions and online guest book at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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