Robert E. Maynard

Robert E. Maynard, 68, of Grafton passed away Friday December 18, 2009 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was a brave and strong man who fought a courageous battle against cancer for over ten years. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Judith A. (Praskiewicz) Maynard; his children Robert E. Maynard III and his partner Gladys Valentin of Wilbraham, MA and Kathryn M. Evans and her husband Grant of Grafton, MA. He leaves three grandchildren; Jake, Josh and Jessica Evans. He also leaves his brother and sister in law Jeff and Sarah Maynard of Jackson, NH and his brother in law Stanley Praskiewicz of Kingston, MA. He was the son of the late Robert E. and Kathleen J. (Horgan) Maynard. He was predeceased by his brother Peter S. Maynard. Bob was born November 9, 1941 in Quincy, MA. He received his BSEE from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and his MBA from The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College. He proudly served our country as a Captain in the US Army from 1964 to 1967, during which time he was awarded the Army Commendation medal for his outstanding and meritorious service. For most of his professional career, Bob worked at R. H. White Companies, Inc. and R.H. White Construction Company, Inc. He held the position of Executive Vice President and was responsible for the financial, administrative and new business development functions of the company's affiliates and subsidiaries. Bob retired in December 2006 after 35 years. After his retirement, he continued to work in the water industry as President of Assabet Water Company. Bob was a Professional Engineer in the State of New Hampshire and a member of the New England Water Works Association serving as President, Director and Treasurer. He also was a member of the American Water Works Association and served as Trustee. He received numerous awards and recognitions including the George Warren Fuller Award for distinguished service to the water works profession. Though Bob was a success in his professional career, he was happiest while serving the community. Bob was a member of St. Mary's Parish in North Grafton, MA and was a campaigner for the Annual Bishop's Fund Drive for many years. He was very active with the Alumni Association of WPI, serving as President, Board Member and Chairman of the Alumni Fund. Bob received the Herbert F. Taylor Award for distinguished Service to WPI in 2003. Bob gave thousands of hours of service to create and sustain the Boroughs Family Branch of the YMCA. He served on various committees including the Borough's Branch Committee of Management, Finance Committee and Land Search Committee. Bob raised thousands of dollars for both the annual Youth Support Campaign and the Capital Campaign and as a consultant on all construction issues. For his extraordinary effort, the YMCA dedicated the Aquatic Lounge Center at the Boroughs Branch in his honor. He also served as a Trustee for the Goddard House. Bob enjoyed traveling and sailing with his family and friends. He consistently stressed the importance of family as his family was an enormous source of pride. Contributions in lieu of flowers and in Bob's memory may be made to The Robert E. Maynard Scholarship Fund at WPI: Office of Development and Alumni Relations Worcester Polytechnic Institute 100 Institute Road Worcester MA 01609 or to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts: Boroughs Family Branch 4 Valente Dr. Westboro MA 01581 or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral & Calling Hours

All are invited to calling hours Monday December 21, 2009 from 4 to 8pm in The Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St. in North Grafton. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday December 22, 2009 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church, 17 Waterville St. in North Grafton. All attending Tuesday are respectfully requested to go directly to church. He will then be laid to rest with military honors at Lakeview Cemetery in Upton. A condolence book may be signed and directions are available at:

roneyfuneralhome.com