Robert J. Okerman

Lunenburg – Robert J. Okerman, 93, of Lunenburg, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026. Bob lived a life defined by service, resilience, family devotion, and deep commitment to his community. Born on September 17, 1932 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, he was raised on a 107-acre family farm on Mulpus Road in Lunenburg alongside his four brothers and three sisters. Life on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age. Bob attended Lunenburg Public Schools and graduated from Lunenburg High School. In 1951, driven by patriotism and a sense of duty, he joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. During his service, Bob demonstrated extraordinary bravery and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. In the final month of his deployment, he was severely wounded by shrapnel to his arm, legs, and body while under enemy fire and received the Purple Heart for his injuries. Soon after his return, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Margherite, with whom he shared an extraordinary 72 years of marriage until her passing on July 10, 2024. Together they raised three children — one daughter and two sons — and were blessed with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Buppi’s love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren created many meaningful and joyous moments in his life. His family was central to his joy and meaning. Professionally, Bob worked at Crocker Burbank Paper Company before serving the town through the Lunenburg School System as Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds. His civic contributions were extensive. He served as Lunenburg’s Civil Defense Director, secured the town’s first rescue wagon, helped establish the town beach, developed the Little League field at Shirley Reservation, and founded the local Men’s Softball League. Bob and Margherite were devoted members of the United Parish of Lunenburg, where Bob supervised buildings and grounds and Margherite served as a deacon and Bible study leader. Together they loved traveling, especially to Lake Champlain and Cape Cod, and later spent many happy retirement years dividing their time between Massachusetts and Florida, including years in Bradenton and Daytona Beach. Following Margherite’s passing, he moved to The Gables in July 2024, where he often shared how grateful and happy he was to be surrounded by care and community. Bob will be remembered for his courage, generosity, leadership, humor, and unwavering devotion to family, faith, country, and community. He leaves his children Gail Okerman and husband John Culley Jr. of Lunenburg, Mark Okerman of Margate, Florida and Robert Okerman Jr. of Boynton Beach, Florida; grandchildren Nicholas Colello and his wife Lindsay Colello and children Addison and Grace of Fitchburg, Daniel Okerman and wife Brittany Puleo and their children Rilynn and Daniel of Boynton Beach, Florida, Briana Cornett and husband Chase and their children Niklaus and Marceline, Jordan Newman of Florida and Josh Newman and daughter Aaliyah of Florida. Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 11am-1pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service from 1-2pm at the United Parish of Lunenburg on 16 Main Street. The Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend is directing arrangements. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Clear Path for Veterans, 84 Antietam St, Devens, MA 01434.

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Robert J. Okerman

September 17, 1932 - May 7, 2026