ROBERT A. LaPOINTE, WWII VETERAN, TEWKSBURY RESIDENT
TEWKSBURY: Robert A. LaPointe, age 85, retired Raytheon Carpenter, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at home, with his family by his side.
He was the beloved husband of Doris (Massey)LaPointe, with whom he celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on April 17th.
Born in Lowell on October 9, 1924, he was the son of the late Arthur and Blanche (Cossette) LaPointe.
Mr. LaPointe was raised in Dracut and graduated from Dracut High School.
In 1942, Robert enlisted into the U.S . Navy, and served aboard the air-craft carrier U.S.S. BUNKER HILL, assigned to the Pacific Fleet.
The U.S.S. BUNKER HILL would earn 13 Battle Stars and the Presidential Unit Commendation during the time Mr. LaPointe served on board.
He narrowly escaped death on May 11, 1945, when the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL was struck by two Japanese Kamikaze bombers during the invasion of Okinawa. His ship suffered 394 killed or missing, and burned for many hours during the battle before returning to port for repairs.
In addition to his wife Doris, Mr. LaPointe leaves a son, Robert and his wife Lynelle (Conserva) LaPointe of Charlestown; a daughter, Karen and her husband John Cintolo of Tewksbury; one sister, Doris and her husband Frank Smigelski of Dracut; one brother, Paul LaPointe and his wife Joanne of Westfield; five grandchildren, Jason LaPointe of Boston, Robin Seiwerath and her husband Stephen of Tacoma, Washington, Mark Cintolo and his wife Katie, John Cintolo and Michael Cintolo all of Tewksbury; two great grandchildren, Owen and Sean Seiwerath; also many nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late Helen Beauchemin, Lillian Perkins, and Alice St. Onge.
At his request, there will be no calling hours. At his request Funeral services will be Private.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Center at Saints Medical Center, 2 Hospital Drive, Lowell, MA 01852.