Robert S., Hurford of Reading, May 21, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Ann (Merchant) Hurford. Cherished father of two sons, Robert S. Hurford and Thomas R. Hurford. Loving grandfather of Robert and Jason Hurford. Dear brother of Henry Hurford and Maureen Rossi. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Bob valued and loved his family and took great satisfactions from simple pleasures. He was a gentleman, with a great enthusiasm for life, and a great humility. He looked forward to spending time with the Merchant, Harrigan, Hurford, Davis and Rossi families, in all the branching’s that entailed. He marked the course of his life with various extended family milestones and events, seeing everyone grow up and grow old together.
His quiet presence offered no hint of the sharp intellect and tremendous sense of wonder with which he viewed the world. In his conversation, you may not know he was a world traveler, having visited dozens of countries on 6 continents during his life, along with much of the United States. He took pictures all over the world, but enjoyed the experiences quietly, without forcing the extended family to endure an endless slide show.
He attended three top universities, and worked as an electrical engineer, designing complex systems, and helping to bring things like power and water to places all over the globe, but was also filled with practical day-to-day knowledge and skills. He could fix a car, wire or plumb a house, build a shed, plant a productive garden, sail a boat, drive a tractor, fix an old clock, identify cloud formations and tell you what they meant, and talk intelligently about chemistry, physics, and countless other things.
He was a man of enthusiasms, who restored both an antique house and an antique truck. He collected things, ranging from stamps and coins to model trains. He rescued a pair of homeless geese. He looked at the stars through a telescope and played with the neighborhood dogs whenever he saw them on his daily walks. He loved his community and his neighbors. He volunteered at his church, St. Athanasius Parish until it became impossible for him to do so any longer. He cherished his grandchildren and beamed whenever he saw them. He dearly missed his wife, who was the absolute love of his life. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a gentleman.
Robert’s family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the many people who made it possible for him to live out his final years in comfort and safety at home. Many people contributed, from Falon, his home health aide, to Rachel, his care manager. Neighbors checked in on him and brought food over, as did the Davis family. Special thanks to Kristin, his daughter-in-law, who did virtually everything possible. Robert cherished her and appreciated all her attention.
Funeral from the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Robert’s Eternal Life in St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery, Lynnfield.
Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Thursday, May 26th, 2022 from 4 pm to 8 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Robert’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
