LEICESTER- Robert John Statkus, 66, died with his family at his side on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Daryl Anne Statkus; his daughter Jennifer Nichols and her husband Kevin Nichols and grandson Brett Carroll all of Leicester; his brother Frank P. Statkus and sister-in-law Patricia of Shrewsbury; his sister-in-law Donna Blanchard of North Kingstown, RI, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Robert was born in Worcester son of the late Frank A. Statkus and Barbara (Juris) Statkus. He was a graduate of Classical High School, received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Junior College, and an MBA from Anna Maria College. Bob served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a retired Project Engineer from TRW, Westminster where he worked for twenty-five years. Bob loved being retired: it gave him the time to enjoy two of his passions – bass fishing and golf-- both afforded him the opportunity to exercise his competitive nature. Fishing on Lake Singletary or spending the day out on the course with his family and friends were two of his favorite pastimes. He also loved to travel to Florida to visit friends and especially enjoyed a trip to Alaska last year.
Bob was the number one supporter and fan of his grandson, Brett, and loved watching his soccer games, basketball games, and taking him out for a round of golf. Brett loved having his “Pop-Pop” take him to and from the bus stop every day for school. As Brett would say, “He was the best Nanny ever”. The bond that they shared can never be broken.
Christmas was Bob’s favorite time of the year. He was lovingly called “Mr. Christmas”. It was hard to keep him from decorating the yard and the house until after Thanksgiving. He had a tremendous sense of pride, often to a fault. Achieving perfection was always his goal.
Bob was passionate about everything that he did always giving 100% drive and commitment to each and every task. He was never too tired to offer his help. He had a wonderful zest for life and was always in the planning stages of some project. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, MA, Saturday, December 21, at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Our Lady of the Angels Building Fund.
Bob’s family extends a very special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of ICU2 Lakeside at UMASS Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care. They are all truly the Angels under whose wings Bob was so lovingly cared for. Morin Funeral Home, 1131 Main St., Leicester is directing arrangements.