Robert Joseph Gauthier, age 84, longtime resident of Merrimac, died early Monday morning, March 19, 2012, at Port Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Newburyport.
Son of the late Lorenzo and Angelina (Sauve) Gauthier, he was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1927, and had attended schools in Salem.
Robert had worked as a waiter in area restaurants and coffee shops, enjoying the interaction with his customers.
His love of his dog, “Joey,” love of music and love of family were the important things in his life. He was passionate about them all.
Never having been married or having any children of his own, he always considered his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews as his children and grandchildren and was always interested in their activities and proud of their accomplishments. They will truly miss his wonderful stories and his caring ways.
His surviving nieces and nephews include Ernest J. Dumas and wife Dorothy “Dotty” of Merrimac; Joanne Chilson and husband Michael of Goshen, NH; Roger J. Dumas and wife Connie of West Palm Beach, FL; Diane Sills and husband Kenneth and Elaine Sills and husband James all of Niceville, FL; numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; his brother, Leo and wife Donna Gauthier of Salem, MA; and his two sisters, Yvonne Gulezian and husband Richard of Brentwood, NH and Margaret Bick of Merrimac. He was predeceased by his brother, Eugene Gauthier, and his wife Mary, of Michigan, and his sister, Eugenie M. Dumas of Merrimac. The love of his life and beloved dog, “Joey,” passed away in 2007, leaving him heartbroken, but full of love and memories of the “best friend” a man could ever have.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 12 Noon at the Highland Chapel of Paul C. Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, followed by burial in Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Saturday, immediately prior to the services, from 9 to 11:45 a.m.




