Southbridge: Robert J. Manthorne, 84, of Charlton St., passed away on Sunday, May 25th, in UMass Memorial Medical-Harrington, Southbridge, after a long illness.

Bob leaves his wife of over 29 years, Shirley A. (Bartlett) Manthorne; his two sons, Robert Manthorne and his wife LouAnn of Woodstock, CT, and Mark Manthorne of Sturbridge;  his three daughters, Robin Snow and her husband Raymond of Southbridge, Corrina Tiberii of Sturbridge and Becky Hoffey and her husband James of Princeton; his step son, Joseph Pelc of Ocala, FL; his step daughter, Michele Zinkowsky-Thurlow and her husband Matt of Southbridge; his brother, Theodore Manthorne of Eastford, CT; his sister, Barbara McCausland of Southbridge; his 9 grandchildren, Jordon Manthorne, Jenna Wilkes, Casey Frazier, Corey Plouffe, Colt Hoffey, Brock Hoffey, Jessa Hoffey, Daniel Pelc and Piper Thurlow; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by three grandchildren, Phylicia Pena, Chelsea Frazier and Shaun Pena.  He was also predeceased by his brother Arthur Manthorne and two sisters, Frances Latosek and Shirley Routhier.   Bob was born in Webster the son of Charles A. and Bernadette (Lavallee) Manthorne.

Bob was a longtime auto mechanic and own and operated his shop from his home for many years.  He also was a longtime tractor trailer driver.  Bob had a passion since he was very young for horses and western style horseback riding.  At one time he and his wife owned and operated Cowboy Up Stables in Brookfield.  He also well known for wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots.  Bob was a very selfless man and was always looking for ways to help his friends and family.

A funeral Mass for Bob will be held on Monday, June 2nd, at 11:00am in Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.