Robert R. Feilteau, 78, of Salem, passed away suddenly at his summer home in Foxboro, Mass. He was the husband of the late Patricia Feilteau, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage.
He was born March 3, 1937 in South Lawrence, Mass to the late Hubert and Bernadette (LaBonte) Feilteau and was one of 6 children.
Bob worked as a Group Leader Machinist in Sylvania's Auto Mount Division. He maintained the incandescent light bulb machine lines until the plants closure. He then spent a short time in Sylvania's Sylvan Street location, operating their long florescent bulb lines. He then finished his time in the Product Development Department at the Ipswich location, notably producing some of the first small florescent bulbs. He belonged to the Quarter Century Club and had over 37 years of service with the company.
He was an avid Bass fisherman and everyone knew "Grizzly." He spent years fishing at the Camp in Foxboro and knew every hiding spot the fish had. He was always willing to give a tip on how and where to land a bass and he enjoyed passing on his knowledge to help others land a big one. His favorite times fishing were with his cherished grandchildren and his friends Tee and Eddie B. Bob also enjoyed country line dancing until his health declined. He met and maintained many special friends through this, especially at Longfellow's in Wayland, Ma. He was known as "Dancing Bob" and would always have a smile on his face and a camera in his hand. Bob dedicated many years to the Swampscott Church of Spiritualism. He was proud to say he was a previous board member, ran the raffle table fundraiser for their many festivals and he was the unofficial photographer. Bob was always known to give a big hug and then say OK, now let me take your picture. He had the ability to make everyone look good and even get camera shy people to smile for him. He had taken thousands of photos and turned them into albums, sharing them with his friends at the church.
Bob leaves behind his son Mark and daughter in law Sue of Foxboro, his daughter Lisa Tusinski, her fiancée Susan Veligor and his grandchildren Matthew, Kaylee and Rachel Tusinski of Peabody and his daughter Celena Ulutas and his granddaughter Nichole Feilteau of Salem, NH. His sisters Claire Drew of Ossipee, NH, Yvette Lanzillotti of Lynn and his brother Paul of Lynn. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Sheila, his brother Gerry, his sister Lorainne Bourgault and his parents.
For those who wish, they may make a donation to the Swampscott Church of Spiritualism, 59 Burrill St, Swampscott, MA 01907 in Bob's memory.
His wake will be held at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, (cor of North St), Salem, Mass on Thursday, October 15, 2015 from 4 to 8pm. A funeral will be held at the Swampscott Church of Spiritualism, 59 Burrill St, Swampscott on Friday at 12 noon. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem.