Robert J. Hakala

HOLDEN – Robert J. Hakala, 84, of Main Street, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester. Bob was born in Worcester the son of Jacob and Lydia (Luoma) Hakala and was raised in Shrewsbury before moving to Holden in 1951.

His wife of 53 years, Florence D. (Drawbridge) Hakala died in October of 2003. He leaves his daughter, Diane L. Hakala of Arizona; two grandchildren, Jared Hakala and his wife Karla of Templeton and Erin Hakala of Phillipston; two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Jordyn Hakala; a sister, Lillian Knipe and her husband George of Paxton. He was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Hakala and a son, John R. Hakala.

Bob graduated from Shrewsbury High School and proudly served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He worked 35 years at Bay State Abrasives in Westborough retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Guiding Lights Lodge of Masons in Auburn and the Chaffins Men's Club. He coached little league in Holden and enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing.

Relatives and friends are welcomed to visit with Bob's family from 11 to 12 noon followed by a funeral service honoring his life at 12 noon on Saturday, July 2nd, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Burial will be in Grove Cemetery, Holden. Flowers may be sent or donations made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place-West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.

To share a memory or leave an on-line condolence visit: www.milesfuneralhome.com