Robert Vandenest, 66, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Watertown, NY, Raynham and Assonet, died on Wednesday, April 17,at UMASS Memorial Healthcare, University Campus in Worcester. He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Jacqueline E. (Thomas) Vandenest of Shrewsbury and his brother-in-law Louie Thomas and his family of Hudson. Robert was born and raised in Watertown, NY, son of the late Walter and Dorothy (Stevens) Vandenest. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Watertown High School. He later studied engineering at Clarkson University in New York. He was a long time resident of Assonet and was employed as a supervisor and engineer by General Dynamics, Ship Building Division, in Quincy where he spent many years building Navy Boats. He later worked in retail for several local department stores in the area. Robert enjoyed collecting coins and watching movies in his spare time. He had a passion for reading and studying American History. A service and celebration of Roberts life was held on Friday, April 19, in the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, Inc. 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749 (www.tighehamilton.com). Burial followed in Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson. The family requests that memorials in memory of Robert be made to: American Indian Relief Council, P.O. Box 6200, Rapid City, SD 57709.