Reginald "Shike" Gobi of Spencer passed away on November 3, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. Shike was born in Spencer to Costello and Dora (Dion) Gobi on March 16, 1924 and lived in Spencer his entire life. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Harriet (Sands) Gobi, his sons, Richard Gobi and his wife Lori of West Brookfield, Bruce Gobi and his wife Cheryl Boissoneau of Charlton, Robert Gobi of North Brookfield, Brian Gobi and his wife Lisa of Spencer, Peter Gobi and his wife Dr. Deb Gurski of Princeton and his daughter Anne Gobi of Spencer and her partner Robert Head. Shike also leaves 11 grandchildren, Carrie and her husband Raymond Girard, Kirsten and her husband Christopher Decker, Tara and her husband Patrick Donohue, Meghan and Joshua Gobi, Emily and Ellen Gobi, Zachary and Nathan Gobi, Kate and Max Gobi and 6 great grandchildren, Ray and Morgan Girard, Alessandro and Cassie Decker and Liam and Connor Donohue. His brother Donald Gobi of Spencer, several cousins, nieces and nephews including a special niece, Fay Flanary of Belchertown, a brother-in-law, Robert Sands and his wife Judy of Westport. Shike was predeceased by his parents and many close friends and relatives.
Shike graduated from David Prouty High School and left during his senior year to join the Navy during WWII. Shike served in the Seabees and was stationed in the South Pacific where he built air bases, supply depots and other installations at advanced bases. Shike also earned his pilots license in the Navy and flew numerous sight seeing tours from Spencer Airport. When the war was over Shike continued his schooling in automotive mechanics and opened East Side Service Station with Henry "Beano" Lapierre. Shike then founded Gobi's Service Station which he owned and operated for more than 30 years. Shike was well known for his generosity, always helping those in need. He was devoted to his family, friends and business and could fix anything. Shike enjoyed time on the golf course with his family and friends and was a Club Champion at Leicester Hill Country Club. Shike was a communicant of Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish a member of Gaudette-Kirk American Legion Post; he had been a member of the Knights of Columbus and past Corporator at Spencer Savings Bank. The family is grateful for all the support and assistance during a difficult time. A special thank you to Paulette, Barbara and Pat and all at hospice who aided us in keeping our dad comfortably at home.
A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Please go directly to church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. There are no calling hours. J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements. In lieu of flowers we suggest that donations be made to UMass Memorial Homehealth and Hospice, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or Mary, Queen of the Rosary Memorial Fund, 60 Maple Street, Spencer, MA 01562