Robert E. Follett

Robert E. Follett, age 82, passed away in the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on May 18, 1935, he was the son of the late Benjamin G. and Lillian M. (Barstch) Follett. Bob was raised in South Walpole and graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1953. As a young man, Bob worked on Adams Farm, feeding the chickens and milking the cows until the postmaster who lived across the street urged him to take the postal exam. Once he passed the exam, he left the farm taking a position with the South Walpole Post Office, beginning his lifelong career with the Postal Service.

Shortly after beginning work with the post office, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. At the close of the war, Bob maintained his duty to his country, transferring into the Army Reserves, and returned to his job at the South Walpole Post Office.

Bob married his beloved wife, Joan A. Arena, on September 10, 1960 in Saint Mary's Church in East Walpole. The young couple made their home together in South Walpole, where they raised their three children, Brenda, Randy, and Robert.

As a devoted member of the Walpole community, in 1961, Bob took a position with the Walpole Fire Department at Station 3 in South Walpole, serving as a call firefighter and earned a promotion to Lieutenant in 1984. He also donated his time to the children in his community, spending countless hours volunteering with the Walpole Little League Program, serving as president of the program for some time.

Bob worked for many years as a mail clerk in the South Walpole Post Office, however in 1973, he was promoted to postmaster. He held that position until 1990, when he retired after 36 years of dedicated service to the citizens of South Walpole. Bob remained with the call fire department for another seven years, officially retiring from the Walpole Fire Department in 1997.

In his retirement, Bob enjoyed working part time at the Foxboro Race Track and later at Plainridge Park. Bob and Joan enjoyed traveling across the country visiting Las Vegas, Tahoe, and Atlantic City to try their luck at local casinos. Back at home, Bob enjoyed spending time at the North Attleboro Elks Lodge, BPOE 1011 and with his family and friends.

Beloved husband of Joan A. (Arena) Follett.
Loving father of Brenda L. Hackley and her husband Paul of Norton, Robert G. Follett and his wife Cindyanne of North Attleboro, and the late Randy S. Follett and his surviving wife, Suzanne of Swansea.
Brother of Muriel Flower of Foxboro, Doris Monteiro of North Attleboro, Paul Follett of North Attleboro, the late Benjamin Follett, the late Ruth Boynton, the late Patricia Hedderig, and the late Marjorie Patten.
Also survived by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bob's Life Celebration on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Service will be held in the South Walpole United Methodist Church, 1886 Washington Street, South Walpole on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.