Salem….


Robert E. "Bob" Gravel, age 84, loving husband for 61 years of Catherine T. (Morin) Gravel, died early Saturday morning, March 28, 2009 in the Grosvenor Park Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.


Born in Salem, the son of the late Edmond G. and Florence M. (Redmond) Gravel he was educated in Salem schools, Mr. Gravel was a drummer in the Drum and Bugle Corps. His team qualified for and went on to win the National Drum and Bugle Corp competition at the Los Angeles Coloseum. Mr. Gravel also played football while a student at Salem High School. Following his graduation from Salem High School in the Class of 1943, Mr. Gravel joined the United States Army Air Corps and served as morse code radio operator, in the South Pacific during WWII. He was also a member of the Army Air Corps boxing team.



When Mr. Gravel returned to civilian life, he pursued his interest in horticulture at Essex Agricultural and Technical School, a passion he enjoyed all of his life gardening around his home. He then trained in Boston as an oil burner technician and became employed by Clarke Brother's Oil in Salem for 25 years. Until his retirement, Mr. Gravel was employed by the City of Salem School Department. Loved by all, he was known as a "Jack of all Trades" and enjoyed taking on any project around his home or for others.


An avid sports fan, he was dedicated to the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He was a life member of the A.O.H., Division 18 in Salem, the D.A.V and the V.F.W Witch City Post 1524 in Salem.


In addition to his wife, Mr. Gravel is survived by two children Robert E. and his wife Elisabeth J. Gravel Jr. of Salem, Cynthia A. and her husband Steven Woodbury of West Boxford; a son in law Stephen LaHaise of Waltham; two brothers Leonard Gravel of Salem and David Gravel of Houston, TX; seven grandchildren Liam, Colin and Brenna Gravel, Meaghan Reckis, Bryan and Jennifer Woodbury and Courtney LaHaise and many nieces and nephews.


He was predeceased by a daughter Cheryl LaHaise and a sister Dorothy Pitts.


His Funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (cor North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. James Church 161 Federal St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00P.M. in the Murphy Funeral Home. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St. Suite B 102, Danvers, MA 01923. For online guest book or additional information, please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.