February 18, 2014
Robert F. Thurber, 78, of Pawtucket, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Catherine (Masse) Thurber. They were happily married for 58 years. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Clifford and Mary (Waldron) Thurber.
Chief Thurber was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. On November 16, 1957 he was appointed as firefighter for the City of Pawtucket. In April of 1967 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, then in February of 1982, he became Battalion Chief, and finally in 1988, he became the assistant Chief for the city. Retiring from the City of Pawtucket in 1991, he awarded the position of Chief in the town of Smithfield, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Local 1261, IAFF, the Pawtucket Fireman’s Relief Association and past president of the Pawtucket Fire Historical Society.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Deborah Thurber, Captain Robert Thurber (PFD) and his wife Elizabeth, and Lt. Michael Thurber (PFD), 2 grandchildren, Amy Ramsey and Robert Thurber III. He also leaves 2 great-grandchildren, Isla Ramsey and Michael Thurber. He was the brother of the late Clifford Thurber.
Relatives and friends are invited to a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial Thursday at 10am in Saint Teresa Church, 358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery. Pawtucket. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8pm in the Costigan-O’Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02905 would be appreciated.
