Arthur R. Josephson

RUTLAND/SOUTH BARRE - Arthur "Robert" Josephson, aka Bob, AutoBob, and Friar Tuck of Rutland and South Barre, passed away on November 4, 2023, at UMass Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family after a battle with dementia.

He leaves behind his three daughters whom he raised as a single parent since they were young: Tina L. Josephson of Hardwick, Shannon M. Blackmer and her husband Keith of Barre, and Melanie A. Chapman of South Barre. He also leaves behind his four grandchildren: his most beloved first-born granddaughter, Amanda L. Andrews of VT, his first grandson Clayton R. Chapman of South Barre whom he helped to raise, his second grandson Joseph K. Blackmer of Barre whose baseball games he loved to attend, his bonus grandson Justin Blackmer of South Barre that he's had in his life for just over 20 years, and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Arthur A. and Elsa E. (Ericson) Josephson, his sister Sandra J. (Trelegan) Forsman of Rutland, and his sister Donna M. (Trelegan) Sullivan of Milwaukie, OR. He was also predeceased by several nephews.

He was born at Holden Hospital and grew up in Rutland. Robert attended school in Rutland then Wachusett Regional High School where he developed and maintained lifelong friendships with people such as Johnny Heikkila. He lived most of his life in Rutland before moving to South Barre 25 years ago. He worked at Harr Ford until they realized he like to drag race the cars he was moving for them, and he also worked for Sims Cab of Rutland, ECC of Jefferson, and Dick's Auto Body of Rutland among a few other places in between raising his three girls.

Robert would encourage his daughters' love for animals by welcoming cats, dogs, ducks, a pony, pet raccoons, and a very special Bobwhite Quail named Peepers. He loved to hunt, fish, hike, and teach anyone he met all about his love of and respect for nature. He also loved to ride motorcycles and often took day trips with friends, the neighborhood kids, and family - especially his cousin John Morris and his wife Margie. Since he didn't have any sons of his own, Robert would often greet any young man he met as "hey, Son." In lieu of traditional vacations, Robert would prefer annual hunting trips with those he loved, especially his best friend Dicky Merchant and his family. As his daughters grew, it then developed into the annual bow hunting trip every October to Wyalusing, PA, at the Endless Mountains Campground. Over the years, many local Rutlandites, friends, and family were invited along on that trip.

He was proud to be a lifelong member of the NRA, North American Hunting Club, and Mass Bowhunters Association.

Family and friends are invited to join Bob's family for calling hours from 4 to 6 on Wednesday, November 15 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, November 16th at the funeral home with burial to follow at Rural Cemetery, Main St, Rutland.

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