Robert L. Slatky, 73, of Derry, NH died January 31, 2011 peacefully at home after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was born in Duryea, PA on February 17, 1937, son of the late Walter L. and Helen (Murzinski) Slatky. "Slats", as he was affectionately known, lived a full life with no regrets. He proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He owned and operated Monarch Signs in Somerville, MA for over 20 years, and the Tewksbury Redemption Center for the following 10 years. Most recently, Slats worked for the Derry District Court House.
An avid outdoorsman who loved the ocean, he was a member of the Chelsea Yacht Club, and could often be found fishing for stripers off Chelsea Harbor. He enjoyed spending time in his garage, raising homing pigeons, and was also a lifelong member of the Halcyon Club in Derry. Slats loved to enjoy a good meal and a good laugh with those closest to him. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father, adored grandfather, and a true friend. He was always ready with a smile or joke, and willing to help out anyone he could.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Eleanor Joan (Barrett) Slatky, four children, Darlene Gianinoto and her husband Gary, Robert L. Slatky Jr. and his wife Anne, Sandra Dupere and her husband Raymond, James J. Slatky and his wife Cristal, nine grandchildren, James A. Sponzo and his wife Katrice, Angela Perkins and her husband Keith, London Dupere, Chad Dupere, Clint Dupere, Carly Gianinoto, Erika Gianinoto, Ryan Slatky, and Olivia Slatky, also one brother, John Slatky and his wife Luba.
Calling hours were held on Thursday February 3, 2011 from 4 - 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday at 10:30am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry. Burial with military honors followed at 1:00pm in the NH State Veteran's Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to The Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing or to SOAR, 900 Varnum St. NE, Washington, DC 20017.