ADAMS, Mass. —  

Mr. Robert E. Bourdon (“Rubber”), 88, of Adams, passed away peacefully at his home on August 16, 2025, after facing Alzheimer’s disease with great courage, entering into eternal life.

He was born in Adams on July 26, 1937, a son of the late Wilfred and Flora (Pinsonneault) Bourdon. He attended schools in Adams and graduated from the former Adams High School with the Class of 1956. Mr. Bourdon was a proud veteran, having served with the United States Marine Corps and later with the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

He last worked for the former Cincinnati Milacron in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a field service engineer until his retirement in 1999. Earlier in his career, he had been employed by Worthington Pump & Machinery Corp. in Holyoke, MA, General Electric Company, and also worked as an electrician.

On June 25, 1966, Robert married Sybil B. Raymond (“Sylvia” or “Fluffy”), who has remained his devoted partner and constant presence for the past 59 years.

Throughout his life, Robert found joy in a variety of pursuits. As a boy, he served as an altar boy for twelve years and became actively involved in the Adams Turn Hall’s gymnastics program, where he earned numerous awards and later shared his passion as an instructor, guiding many young athletes and participating in countless team events. As an adult, he bowled for many years with the Adams Turners and cherished time spent with family—playing cards, making wine, and cooking for his beloved grandchildren. Robert especially loved summers at Lake George and Lake Champlain, where he enjoyed camping, fishing, sailing, entertaining guests, listening to music, and relaxing in the sun, often indulging in a well-earned afternoon nap.

He was a communicant of the Parish of St. John Paul II at Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church in Adams and an active member of the Adams Post 160 American Legion, the Adams Lodge of Elks, and the Adams Turn Hall.

He leaves his wife, the former Sybil B. Raymond; five children: Michelle R. Perrier of Savoy; Jennifer L. (Perrier) Rose and her husband Craig of Adams; Tammie Bourdon-Shafer and her husband Trent of Adams; Robert R. Bourdon and his wife Donna of Hancock; and Christopher M. Bourdon and his wife Michelle Davignon of Adams.

He also leaves nine grandchildren: April R. Lesage and her husband George of Savoy; Jillian M. Perrier and her husband Chad of Schuyler Falls, NY; Zachary R. Despain and his wife Allyson of Colorado Springs, CO; Amanda T. O’Connell and her husband Scott of Hinsdale; Matthew L. Zieminski and his wife Brittany of Cheshire; Mitchell L. Despain and his wife Amanda of Adams; Noah R. Bourdon of CA; Tiberius A. Shafer of Adams; and Athena E. Shafer of Adams. He is survived by eleven great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his son, Jon Jay Bourdon; his great-grandson, Sawyer V. Despain; and by his nine brothers and sisters: Edward, Leo, Francis, Jeanette Adamczyk, Florence Albareda, Wilfred, Rene, Louis, and Richard.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 10:00 A.M. in Notre Dame Church, Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours IN THE CHURCH are Saturday morning from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201
Newton, MA 02460.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements. 

To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.