Robert E. Duley

NEW SALEM- Robert E. Duley, 90, of Fay Road, passed away on Thursday morning, May 9, 2024.

Born in Gardner on February 1, 1934, he was the son of Earl and Evelyn (Gelinas) Duley and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1952.  Shortly after graduation, he began the Apprentice Course at the former Union Twist Drill before beginning his service in the United States Army, being honorably discharged in 1957.  After returning home from his service in Germany, he resumed his work at the UTD, completed the Apprentice Course there, and also earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Junior College.

On November 11, 1957, Robert married Joan E. (Smith) and enjoyed over 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Following the closure of the UTD, Bob was briefly employed by the Bendix Corporation before joining the L S Starrett Company as a machine designer, and finally retiring in 1997.

Bob and Joni enjoyed traveling and camping.  They traveled internationally, toured the US, spent several winters in Florida, and many glorious summers in York Beach, Maine. Bob also enjoyed spending time with their pets, bike riding, the Quabbin Reservoir, checking off items on his honey-do list, and hosting friends and family gatherings.   Always kind, unpretentious, helpful, and caring, he was affectionately known to many of his younger neighbors as Uncle Bob, and indeed they were like family to him.  He lived his life by the Golden Rule, loved to laugh, and enjoyed many genres of music; anyone who has had the pleasure of his company can attest to his impressive whistling skills! 

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joan Duley, of New Salem; his children, Michael Duley and his wife, Stacey, of Orange, and Aleisa Duley and her husband, Brendon Crumb, of Waldoboro, Maine; four grandchildren, Matthew Duley and Linnea Duley, both of Greenfield, Jordan Baldic of Orange, and Lauren Bergantino and her husband Eric of Dublin, Ohio; two great grandchildren, Noah Bergantino and Levi Bergantino; and several nephews and nieces; and his lifelong friend Bob Gillis of New Mexico. He will be deeply missed by all.

Besides his parents, Robert was predeceased by a brother, Henry Duley, and a sister, Lorraine Gauvin.

A celebration of life will be held at 130 Fay Road, New Salem, on June 29, 2024 from 2-6 p.m.

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

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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