Robert E. Ahola

HUBBARDSTON — Robert E. Ahola, 66, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, July 3, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Ann Marie Ahola; his children, Jessica Ebert and her husband, Jon Ebert, of Hubbardston, and Suzanne Anderson and her husband, Shane Anderson, of Rochdale; two granddaughters, Alyssa Ebert of Hubbardston and Lillian Anderson of Rochdale; two stepchildren, Eirinn Flynn of Winchendon and Sean Flynn of Tewksbury; one sister, Janice Taylor and her husband, Richard Taylor, of Athol; four nieces, Wanda Weatherbee, Melissa Haley, Jamie Taylor and Krystal Morin; along with many dear friends. Robert was born in Gardner to Ero Ahola and Amelia (Dopkant ) Ahola. He was a lifelong resident of Hubbardston and was a 1967 graduate of Athol High School and Mount Wachusett Community College in 1969. He served in the Army during the Vietnam war from 1969 to 1971 and was a Bronze Star recipient. He enjoyed watching his beloved Red Sox, listening to good music and celebrating with friends. He will be missed so very much by so many. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Lamoureux-Fletcher & Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Robert’s memory to the Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. To send on an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Lamoureux-Fletcher & Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner, is directing arrangements.