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Robert E. Paulding

09/25/1936 - 12/24/2017

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Obituary For Robert E. Paulding

Robert (Bob) E. Paulding, 81, of Rockland died December 24th after a brief illness in St. Petersburg, Florida. A lifelong resident of Rockland, Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Kathleen (Burke) Paulding and their children Robin Paulding McGowan and her Husband Charles McGowan of St. Petersburg Florida, William C. Paulding and his partner Edward MacDonald of Boylston MA, Edward Paulding of Whitman and Kathleen Paulding of Marshfield and his beloved lab Hector. Early in his career as a mechanic, Bob worked for his father at Paulding Pontiac. When the dealership closed, he opened his own repair shop and many broke college students and families experiencing hard times could count upon his soft heart to keep their cars running. One customer even managed to pay him with a puppy before he moved on to lengthy career at the MBTA. Bob was the son of Clifford A. Paulding, Auriale (Joubert) Paulding, and brother to Clifford (Sonny) Paulding, Betty (Paulding) Buckley, Joan (Paulding) Coulstring and Nancy (Paulding) Tucker. A devoted father Bob loved to spend time with lifelong friends and family at Saquish Beach. In his younger years he was a skilled skier who conquered "the wall" at Wildcat with bear trap bindings. He was often found painting and repairing the Pipe Dream, a 60' wood cabin cruiser and when weather and work schedules permitted even had the opportunity to captain it out of Scituate Harbor. Bob was an artist at heart and discovered wood carving as a hobby. He loved to travel with his wife on road trips but only if it was to spend time with family as that was always the most important thing to him. He loved the town of Rockland and was devoted to its improvement and its children. He was an elected member of the Rockland Planning Board, volunteered on Operation Goblin, the Rockland Centennial Committee, coached youth hockey and worked on countless other committees. He was also an active member of the Gurnet Saquish Board of Directors and participated in such activities as grass planting parties and the Gatewatch. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate Bob's life on Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union Street, Rockland, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM in The Holy Family Church in Rockland on Monday, January 8, 2017. Donations in Mr. Paulding's name may be made to The Rockland Citizen's Scholarship Fund, RCSF- Robert Paulding, Mountain One Bank 279 Union St. Rockland MA 02370. A burial will be held at a later date.

Services

7 Jan

Visitation

14:00 PM - 17:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
8 Jan

Funeral Mass

09:00 AM

Holy Family Church 403 Union St. Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 07/29/2024

    Claire Howsberger

  • 07/29/2024

    Claire Howsberger

    I just saw this Kay when looking up your name as a fond memory ! I don't know how to reach you but I will call the funny home who handles all arrangements !! It's never too late to say I'm so sorry ! I lost Skip ( my husband ) twenty years ago ! It never gets easier ...I'm sure you know that ! I hope you are okay . I hope I reach you !! XO Claire

  • 05/26/2021

    Kevin Matthews

    All of you are in my thoughts and prayers, a great Dad and gentleman that will be missed

  • 05/26/2021

    Dear Paulding family and friends I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you can be comforted by thoughts of happier times and precious memories. Death is awful and painful. May "God surround and comfort" you at this difficult time. Please confirm this wonderful expression at Psalms 71:21.

  • 05/26/2021

    L V

    My sincere condolences to the family. May the hope found in Gods word out weigh the grief you feel. 1Thessalonians 4:13,14

  • 05/26/2021

    May the God of all comfort be with the family and friends.

  • 05/26/2021

    I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

  • 05/26/2021

    Our sincere condolences to the Paulding family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day. - Ps 145:18,19

  • 05/26/2021

    Dear Kathleen,

    I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I hope that wonderful memories will sustain you during this trying time. My very best to you and your children.

    Bob Fitzgibbons, North Fort Myers, FL

  • 05/26/2021

    Dear Kathleen,

    I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I hope that wonderful memories will sustain you during this trying time. My very best to you and your children.

    Bob Fitzgibbons, North Fort Myers, FL

  • 05/26/2021

    Chris Chaplin

    Sorry to hear about Mr Paulding. I found out to late for me to come up and pay my respects. He was a very generous man.

  • 05/26/2021

    Ginnie Souther

    Our deepest condolences to the Paulding family. We did not have the pleasure of knowing Bob, but work with Robin Paulding McGowan and know how much he will be missed. - Ginnie Souther, Long & Associates Architects/Engineers, Inc., Tampa, Florida Jan 08, 2018

  • 05/26/2021

    Teresa Burt

    I want to express my sadness to the entire Paulding family. Bob was a terrific person and will surely be missed by many. The circumstances aside, it was wonderful seeing you all today....the memories flooded in....Saquish, holiday parties, North Conway, Bob's silly jokes, making his apple pies, and just the hominess of the Paulding household over the years. Bob and Kate treated Noah and I like family for many years. Bob (and all of you) will always be part of some of my fondest memories. Wishing you all comfort and peace. Love, Teresa Burt

  • 05/26/2021

    Arthur & Phyllis Merz

    Dear " Billy" Sending our Heart felt Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family. You Dad was surely the best of the best. He always made me feel at home and like one of the family. His heart, love and warmth will be with you forever. I consider it a blessing to this day meeting you and your family.

  • 05/26/2021

    Patrick Langone

    My deepest condolences Ed and your family. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

  • 05/26/2021

    Robin & Skip Ward

    Sending our Thoughts and Prayers to the Paulding family during this difficult time.

  • 05/26/2021

    Robin & Skip Ward

    Sending our Thoughts and Prayers to the Paulding family during this difficult time.

  • 05/26/2021

    Ellen Gallo

    Our deepest condolences on hearing of Bob's passing. He always reminded me of my own dad, sitting on the porch talking to everyone who walked by. Rick and I will miss his humor.

  • 05/26/2021

    Dianne Chase

    To all of you; The Chase Family sends their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the pain of loss move quickly to the joy of memories and Bob's gift for humor and compassion be a comfort as you go through each day.

  • 05/26/2021

    Amy-Jo Aronson-Silverman

    I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He will be missed by many, including me. Kay, Robin, Bill, Ed, Kathy, and your partners, I send my heartfelt sympathy to you all, and to his dear Hector too.

  • 05/26/2021

    Linda & Burt Schmaelzle Weinberg

    Burt and I extend our most sincere sympathy.

  • 05/26/2021

    Dick Puglisi

    Dear Robin,
    On behalf of your friends at the USF Stavros Center, we want to express our heartfelt condolences over the loss of your father. Although we did not have the pleasure of knowing him, he must have been a wonderful person to have such a talented and caring daughter. Please share our condolences with your mother and other family members.

  • 05/26/2021

    Steve Budkiewicz

    I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Throughout my career in Rockland, I always enjoyed visiting and talking with him. Moreover, I greatly appreciated the help, advice and support he lended to our program. To Kathy, Robin, Bill, Ed and Kathy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.

  • 05/26/2021

    Lori and Gary Hempfling

    So very sorry about your loss. I'm sure he's at peace and will always watch out for you.

  • 05/26/2021

    Adrienne Donovan

    Kathy & Family: I was so saddened to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My deepest condolences.

  • 05/26/2021

    Joanne (Baker) Taylor

    My deepest sympathy to Bob's family. My Dad, Bob Baker, worked for Bob's Dad, Cliff for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • 05/26/2021

    Laurie Cushing

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all

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