Robert J. Duval

BARRE – Robert J. Duval, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Born in Fitchburg and raised in the Wheelwright section of Hardwick, Bob was the son of the late Lazare and Regina (Gelinas) Duval and lived the last 71 years in Barre. He was one of thirteen children.At the age of 18, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and honorably served his country from 1943 to 1946 in the Theater. After returning home from the service, Bob married the love of his life, Angelina Femino of Barre on August 17, 1946 in St. Thomas A Becket Church. They eventually built a home in Barre where they raised their family together until Angelina’s passing in 2011. After working several years at Romar Tissue Mill, Bob went back to school for plumbing and started the RJ Duval Plumbing and Heating Co. in 1952, now RJ Duval & Sons Plumbing & Heating, in Barre which is still operated by his son, Bob.He was a devout and active member of St. Thomas A Becket Church, now St. Francis of Assisi Parish, in South Barre and volunteered in the parishes Bishop’s Fund campaign. He served on the Water Commission Board and was a member of the American Legion Post #2, both in Barre.Bob’s family affectionately remembers Sunday afternoon barbecues where he would grill for the entire family. He assisted Angelina in preparing meals inside their home the rest of the year rarely missing a Sunday. Running his own business often times meant working 7 days a week, but he always found quality time to spend with his family. He was first and foremost a man of integrity. He was well respected in the Barre community and will be remembered as diligent and honest in all matters.Bob is survived and will be lovingly missed by his two sons, Robert A. Duval and his significant other, Lori Snyder of Barre and Glenn J. Duval and his wife, Carol Ann of Federal Way, Washington; three daughters, Madeline B. Brant and her husband, Allen of Barre, Gail M. Mitchell and her husband, Jeffrey of Barre and Regina “Gina” M. Duval of Petersham; two sisters, Pauline Nicholson of Ware and Marlene Serra of Agawam; 14 grandchildren, Jeremy Brant, Jessica Cronkright, Amber Duval, Sheena Fargnoli, Misty Thorpe, Joseph Duval, Crystal Howe, Melissa Taylor, Holley Katagiri, Maria Kennedy, Benjamin Mitchell, Trista Duval-Wilkinson, Shawna Myatt, Timothy Duval, Alyssa Holmes, Joshua Stone, Jake Rojcewicz, David Rojcewicz and their spouses; 17 great grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Angelina; seven brothers, Edward, Walter, William, Alfred, Albert, Henry and Roland; and three sisters, Rosie, Gloria and Theresa.Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, November 30, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, December 1, at St. Thomas-A-Becket Church, 398 Vernon Ave., South Barre. Bob will be laid to rest next to his best friend and wife in St. Josephs Cemetery in Barre. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Town of Barre EMS, P.O. Box 430, Barre, MA 01005 or American Legion Post # 2, P.O. Box 537, Barre, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our “Guest Book” here on this page.