Robert F. Willett, Sr., age 82, former longtime Bradford resident, died Friday, August 15, 2008 at Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport.
Mr. Willett was born in Haverhill on June 26, 1926, the son of the late John D. Sr. and Bridget C. (Doherty) Willett. At an early age he survived Polio, which later in life contributed to him having Post-Polio Syndrome. He was raised in Bradford and attended Haverhill Public Schools. He was graduated from Haverhill Trade School, Class of 1947. Following school he began working for his father's leather business in the City, he also operated the Bradford ESSO Station for several years with his brothers. Mr. Willett was employed for over twenty-five years with Lawrence Motor Lines of Bradford, and the Haverhill-Lawrence Trucking Co., Bradford, until his retirement in the late 1980s.
He enjoyed the ocean and trout fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, at Seabrook Beach.
He was a lifelong communicant of Sacred Hearts Parish, Bradford; a member of the Local Teamsters No. 437; a life member of the Crescent Yacht Club, Haverhill; and while growing up was very active with the Boys Scouts of America, Troop No. 24, of Sacred Hearts Parish, Bradford.
He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Joanne (Keefe) Willett of Haverhill; children, Robert F. Willett, Jr. and his wife Cathy B. of Salisbury, Patricia A. Fanale and her husband Joseph P. of Georgetown, and Michael W. Willett and his wife Laurie J. of Newton, NH; grandchildren, Erik and Kyle Willett of Salisbury, Kathryn and Joseph Fanale of Georgetown, and Zachary Willett of Newton, NH; brother, James Willett and his wife Eliette of Lowell; and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Thomas Willett and the brother of the late John D. Willett, Bernard J. Willett, and Eileen B. Willett.
Funeral services will Wednesday, August 20, in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Bradford Funeral Home, 52 Salem Street, Bradford, at 8:00 a.m. Funeral Mass in Sacred Hearts Parish, 165 South Main Street, Bradford, at 9:00 a.m. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery, Salem Street, Bradford.
Calling hours Tuesday in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Bradford Funeral Home, 52 Salem Street, Bradford, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited.
Contributions in Mr. Willett's memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, c/o Massachusetts Chapter, 220 North Main Street, Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760.