HOLLISTON: Robert E. Petherick, age 70, of Holliston, formerly of Ashland, passed away at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham on Wednesday morning, November 18, 2015. He and Mary Ann (Mabardy) Petherick shared 41 happy years of marriage.
Born, raised and educated in Dedham, he was the son of the late William and Grace (Briggs) Petherick. After graduating from Dedham High School, Bob joined the US Air Force and served four years during the Vietnam War and held the rank of Airman 1st Class at the time of his discharge. Utilizing skills he learned in the service, Bob embarked on a career in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. He was soon became employed as an HVAC mechanic with the United States Army Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, often referred to as the Natick Labs.
Bob and Mary Ann met while working together and married in May of 1974. They settled in Ashland where they made a loving home for their growing family. Retiring as the HVAC Supervisor in 2000, Bob accepted part time employment with General Dynamics, calibrating various electronic equipment until 2007. Bob enjoyed his home whether out in the yard or puttering about inside. Always up to date on current affairs, he was also a sports enthusiast. He read a great deal, particularly historical biographies and sports oriented books. Bob was proud to be “Jido” to his four grandchildren and he and Mary Ann were always happiest in the company of their large extended family.
He is survived by Mary Ann; their son Brian R. Petherick and his wife Alison of Raynham; daughter Diana M. Drew and her husband Alex of Franklin; and grandchildren Shawn M. Petherick, Ashley Y. Drew, Kyle R. Petherick, and Alex R. Drew; his sister, June Fitzgerald and her husband James of Lakeland, FL; his sisters-in-law, Martha Chisholm of Salem, NH, Jeanne N. Harrigle and Christine Higgins of Natick, and D. Joanne LeBlanc of Rochester, NY; his brothers-in-law, Nicholas S. Mabardy and Michael G. Mabardy of Natick; and many nieces, nephews, and their families. He was also predeceased by his parents-in-law, Sobhy and Yvonne (Kabaz) Mabardy.
His Funeral Service will be in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Monday, November 23rd at 11:00AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Dell Park Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday 3 – 6PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 01446. Please specify Lymphoma research.