Robert J. Bourgeois, born January 11, 1941, in Gardner, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved son of Adelard Bourgeois and Yvonne (Jacob) Bourgeois Poulin, and though life took a unique path, he was lovingly raised by Wilfred Daigle and Palmyra (Jacob) Daigle in Disraeli and Sherbrooke, Province of Québec.

Robert's early years were shaped by his rich French‑Canadian heritage. He attended St. Antoine and St‑Lue schools in Disraeli, later continuing his education at Sacred Heart School in Sherbrooke. He also studied at the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, completing the equivalent of four years of high school and his first year of college. He lived in Canada until 1960, carrying with him a lifelong pride in his roots and the values instilled in him during those formative years.

Robert was one of four boys. He is survived by his brother Claude Bourgeois and was predeceased by his stepbrothers Jean Guy Daigle, and Donald Daigle, with Donald passing on April 22, 2026.

On September 2, 1961, Robert married the love of his life, Annette (Charest) Bourgeois, beginning a devoted partnership that shaped their family for generations. Together they raised three children -Norman and Tammy (Jardine) Bourgeois, Allen Bourgeois and Christine Russo, and Darlene (Bourgeois) and Mark Halfrey-who were the center of his world. In their earlier years, they also opened their home to foster children, offering care, stability, and kindness to those who needed it most.

Robert was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Corey, Joey, Noelle, and Kayla, each of whom brought him immense joy. His legacy continued to grow with the arrival of his two great‑grandchildren, Dominik and Tate, who added new light to his later years.

Throughout his working life, Robert was employed by several companies in Gardner, Massachusetts, including Sauquoit Paper, Van Huffel, and Kirk Eastern. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady presence, and the quiet reliability that defined his character both at work and at home.

Robert's life was marked by resilience, deep family bonds, and a gentle spirit. He will be remembered for his devotion to those he loved, his unwavering sense of responsibility, and the heritage he carried proudly from both Massachusetts and Québec. His influence lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, who will continue to honor his memory in the way they live and love.

Robert was a longtime member of Annunciation Parish, where he served faithfully on the parish council and found community, purpose, and spiritual strength.

His family will forever cherish his memory.

Calling Hours will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, or on their website at www.heart.org. Please reference in memory of Robert J. Bourgeois.