Robert W. Bullard, 78.

STURBRIDGE Robert W. Bullard, 78, of Poplar Ave. died Wednesday, October 17th after being stricken ill at home. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Ruth (Jenkins) Bullard; two sons, Mark Bullard of New Hampshire, Eric Bullard and his wife Anita of Charlton; two daughters, Karen Leo and her husband Frank of Brookfield, Beth DiPersio and her husband Mike of Clifton Park, NY; seven grandchildren, Myles, Maida, Hannah, Joel, Mathieu, Abby, and Braden. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Hillary Beth Leo and a brother, Earl Bullard.

Bob graduated from Charlton High School, New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. He was a Korean War veteran serving in the Army and the Air Force.

He was a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Quinnebaug Lodge of Masons, Doric Chapter and the Melha Shriners, NRA, Mass. Funeral Directors Association and the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club.

He owned and operated Bullard's Funeral Home in Southbridge from 1970 until 1993. Prior to purchasing the funeral home he worked for the Williams Funeral Home.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, gardening and tinkering around his home.

His funeral will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 22, in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St., Southbridge. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Calling hours are 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday October 21, in Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St., Southbridge. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, Ma. 01104. An online guestbook is available at

BelangerFuneralHome.com

ART: PHOTOS