Robert W. McFarland, 78, of Derry, NH, died Friday October 14, 2011 in the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. He was born in Newton, MA on July 25, 1933, a son of the late Elmer and Marie (Landry) McFarland. He had been a resident of Derry for the past 31 years, formerly living in Waltham, MA. Mr. McFarland served with the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. For 30 years, Mr. McFarland volunteered his time to operate the Friendship Center in Derry, receiving a commendation this year from Governor Lynch for his dedication of service. He was also involved with the Avery Center in Londonderry. Mr. McFarland loved life, enjoyed good food, but most of all he loved and cherished time spent with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Donna (McGrath) McFarland of Derry; two daughters, Bonney Newton and her husband David of Royalston, MA, Kathleen Gramolini and her husband Michael of Groton, MA; three sons, Michael McFarland and his wife Ruth of Townsend, MA, Ronald McFarland of Nashua, NH, and Kenneth Wentworth of Manchester; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth McFarland of Michigan, two sisters, Carol Curtiss of Pennsylvania and Janet Brosky of Massachusetts; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cathy Thompson in 2009.
Following cremation, calling hours were held on Monday, October 17th from 4 - 6pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A memorial service followed at 6:00pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Center, 45 East Broadway, Derry, NH 03038.