Robert N. Belliveau

Robert (Babbits) N. Belliveau, 95, of Gardner, died peacefully Friday, November 10, 2023, at Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born in Gardner on October 7, 1928, he was the son of the late Auguste D. and Marie L. (Doiron) Belliveau. Robert graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1948 and attended Cushing Academy before he was drafted. He was a United States Army Korean War Veteran serving from 1951 to 1953. Robert was athletically inclined, even taking up javelin after his high school track coach asked him to throw in dual meets, and he went on to win the state championship. He was a four-letter athlete for baseball, basketball, football, and track and field his senior year. Robert was a Farmer for the Walter E. Fernald School and Lilly Varnish for 30 years until his retirement in 1992. 

Robert was a lifelong parishioner of Annunciation Parish, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Gardner. He was a member of Gardner Fish and Gun Club and enjoyed his time outdoors hunting for rabbits, using beagles, and fishing. Robert was a third baseman for the Fighting Frenchmen, his softball league in the service, and for the Napoleon Club and helped them win the 1963 state championship. He played basketball for the Jackson Eagles and was also a city tennis champion, playing well into his eighties. 

Robert is survived by one sister, Pauline (Belliveau) Croff of Barre, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by six sisters, Louise, Florine, Sylvia, Clara, Helen, and Juliette, and three brothers, Arthur, Roger, and Leo.

A Graveside Service will be held Monday, December 04, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St, Winchendon, MA 01475. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Henry Heywood Hospital, 242 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Activity Fund, 32 Hospital Hill Road, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Robert N. Belliveau.