Robert C. Townsend

Millbury -Robert C. Townsend, 86, a longtime resident of Millbury passed away peacefully on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Care One at Millbury, following a period of declining health.

Bob was born in Worcester and raised in Auburn, one of three children to the late Lincoln and Anna L. (Johnson) Townsend. He graduated from Auburn High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and MVP. Following his graduation, Bob entered a post graduate years at Worcester Academy so that he could play sports, but shortly thereafter, was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. Bob proudly served for almost two years in Korea.

Upon his return to the Worcester area, Bob began working for several area companies, including as a delivery man for H.P. Hood, and later as a member of Teamsters Local 170 for many years, retiring from the former Worcester Cold Storage, where he worked in the warehouse. Bob also worked as a sales agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance for several years. He attended Bethel Lutheran Church in Auburn and was a member of the Southworks Post 3657, VFW, Worcester. Bob found peace sitting on the beach, whether it be on Cape Cod, Maine or Florida. Bob also was an accomplished golfer. He won the club championship at three local golf courses, Heritage CC in Charlton, Clearview CC in Millbury as well as Pakachoag Golf Course in Auburn, where he also held the course record of 66 for many years. He enjoyed the many friendships and the comraderies formed while spending time on the links.

Bob will be forever loved and missed by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Dorothy A. (Reece) Townsend; his three cherished children, Donna Johnson and her husband, Stephen of Oxford, Robert Townsend and his wife, Beth of Millbury and Glen Townsend and his wife, Darlene of Westford; his adoring seven grandchildren, Christopher Johnson, Kimberly Thomas and her husband, Ryan, Robert and Brian Townsend and Alexandra, Jonathan, Stephen Townsend; his two great grandchildren, Logan an Connor Thomas; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend Bob's Life Celebration funeral service on Friday, September 7th at 10 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn. Burial, with military honors will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Auburn. If desired, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Care One at Millbury, 312 Millbury Avenue, Millbury, MA 01527 or to Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn, MA 01501. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, sign the guestbook.