Robert E. Manchester, 93, of Milford, and a former longtime resident of Hopkinton, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Born in Fall River, MA, he was the son of the late Arvilla (Reynolds) and Charles Manchester. He was the husband of 50 years to the late Penny (DeMello) Manchester.
Bob was the last living of nine children. He proudly served three years in the Navy Reserves, followed by four years of active duty in the United States Air Force. He spent 10 years with Hughes Aircraft Company as a technical instructor, traveling to military bases across the country. He later worked for 10 years at Water Associates in Framingham and Milford as a facilities coordinator and supervisor. Bob then dedicated 27 years to Kidde Fenwal in Ashland as a facilities and property supervisor, retiring at age 72. He continued working another 15 years as a property manager on behalf of the owners of the property where Kidde Fenwal operates, fully retiring at age 88.
Bob and Penny moved to Hopkinton almost 60 years ago to raise their family. He coached Little League for his sons’ teams and loved spending time with his family, whether building snow forts, setting up a backyard ice rink, showing them all how to properly mow the lawn, pouring concrete slabs, building an addition to the house, or simply catching up. He especially cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and rarely missed their activities, including sporting events, recitals, school presentations, races, and graduations.
Bob enjoyed traveling with Penny, particularly to Cape Cod and Maine, visiting Dawn in Northern Virginia, and spending time in Prince Edward Island with Michele, Eric, and their family. Bob also enjoyed antiquing and collecting coins and “K” dollars, often involving family members in his searches.
Bob is survived by his children, Kathy McLaughlin of South Grafton, Dawn Manchester of Milford, Michele (Eric) Hubley of Northboro, Kevin Manchester of Hopkinton, and Keith (Deb) Manchester of Norton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric Hubley II, Robert Manchester, Samantha (Michael) Hubley Scola, Alexis Manchester, Madelyn Manchester, and Connor Manchester, as well as great-grandchildren, William Manchester, Clayton Hubley, and Chase Hubley. In addition to his eight siblings and parents, he is predeceased by his granddaughter, Jenn McLaughlin.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. Burial will follow with full military honors at Saint John’s Cemetery, 24 Mayhew St., Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, dana-farber.org
