Southbridge: Robert L. Bruneau, Sr., 79, of Dennison Hill Rd., passed away with his family by his side on Monday, Feb. 9th, in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, after a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Wanda S. (Steplowski) Bruneau; his three sons, Robert L. Bruneau, Jr., with whom he lived, of Southbridge, Dean S. Bruneau and his wife Kristen of Brimfield and Adam D. Bruneau and his wife Jenn of Pomfret, CT; his three grandchildren, Natalie Bruneau, Noah Bruneau and Arabella Bruneau; his niece, Sheila Berg and her husband John of Florida; and his niece, Carol Lawhorne and her husband Rich of Florida.  He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Stacia Miller of Bellingham, Washington, and Florence Stefancik of Holyoke, MA, and their families.  He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Bruneau, Jr. and his two sisters, Rita Melton and Joyce Bennett.  Robert was born in Southbridge the son of the late Paul and Hazel (Rathbun) Bruneau and grew up in Woodstock, CT.  He was a graduate of Woodstock Academy and attended Ellis Tech.

Robert was a longtime service manager for Patrick Motors Saab and Subaru in Worcester and later worked as a service manager for Herb Chambers Hyundai in Auburn, retiring many years ago.  He was a member of St. Hedwig's Church in Southbridge and it's St. Stanislaw Society.  He was also a member of the Italian American Club in Southbridge, the Pilsudski Polish American Club in Southbridge and Southbridge Senior Center.  Robert was an avid pitch player and played pitch at both the Southbridge Senior Center and the Italian Club in Southbridge.  Robert had a love for lighthouses.  He enjoyed woodworking and was always working on a project.  He was also a car enthusiast.

Calling hours for Robert will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21st from 10:00am to 12:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a funeral service in the funeral home to follow at 12:00pm.  Burial in St. Hedwig's Cemetery, Southbridge, will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01515.