Robert I. Westerlund (ret. BFD) age 82, passed away at his home on April 16th, 2021 under the loving care of his wife and family. He was the devoted husband of Jane E. (Deslaurier) Westerlund for over 51 years.
Bob was born and raised in Brockton, a son of the late Ivar Westerlund and Phyllis (Ottaviani) Kendrick and remained a lifelong resident of the city. A member of the Brockton High School class of 1956, Bob enlisted and proudly served in the US Marine Corps. Bob earned his Associate Degree in Fire Science from Massasoit Community College and was a member of BFD Union, Local 144. He served as a Brockton Firefighter for 28 years. Bob had been a long time member of St. Edith Stein Parish.
Bob loved sailing the waters of Narraganset Bay with his family and friends and especially enjoyed his sailing trip to Bermuda. He also loved fishing at D.W. Field Park and the Cape Cod Canal. Always having to stay busy, Bob enjoyed working in his garden, doing projects around the house and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife Jane E. Westerlund, two sons Robert I. Westerlund, II and Richard K. Westerlund and his wife Ellen Westerlund and grandchildren Daniel Hunt, Bayleigh M. Westerlund, and Kaiden Westerlund. Bob was the brother of Frederick Westerlund and his wife Marie, Linda Gorich Long and her husband Ron, Paul Westerlund and his late wife Linda and the late Carol Cushwa.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (rte. 123) Brockton on Sunday April 25, 2021 from 3-6 pm. A funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Monday at 9:30 am for a funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Edith Stein Church. Burial in Melrose Cemetery with military honors. Masks and social distancing must be observed in the funeral home and church.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob’s name to the Holy Cross Fathers Retreat House, 490 Washington St., N. Easton, MA 02356 or Old Colony Hospice 321 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379.