Robert J. Hathaway, 80, of Bridgewater, MA, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2024.

Robert (Bob) was born on June 13, 1944, in New Bedford, MA, the beloved son of the late Robert and Jessie (Lord) Hathaway and brother to the late Cheryl (Hathaway) Roy.

Bob spent most of his life living and working in New Bedford, MA. Bob's career in industrial electronics spanned several decades, including a long tenure at Borg Warner in New Bedford. He enjoyed the closeness of work to home, and after retirement found himself taking walks around the industrial park where he once worked.

Known for his easygoing and kind demeanor, Bob had a passion for sharing his interests. He was an avid enthusiast of motocross and spent much of the 70s and 80s traveling across New England to racing events, as both mechanic and spectator. In his later years, he cherished the times spent working as mechanic and support for his youngest great-nephew, Joe, as he raced both track and trail - mostly at Capeway Rovers in Middleboro, MA. Bob also had a profound love for trains, both model and full-scale, and enjoyed numerous train trips throughout his life.

Bob's hobbies extended to solo travels in his younger years, with twice yearly road trips to Disney World. Later in life he visited many National Parks and scenic roadways with his sister, Cheryl. He was a fan of corn mazes, fill-in puzzle books, TV shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and old classics such as The Waltons and M*A*S*H. His leisure time was often spent enjoying movies, music, and video games.

He truly loved "Uncle Bob Night" at the Roys - started in the early 2000s. A weekly tradition of dinner, movies and games with his niece and nephew and their four kids brought him love, joy and a closeness to family that he treasured.

Bob is survived by his nephew Steven Roy, niece Sharon Roy, and great-nieces and great-nephews Jared, Caleb, Rebekah and Joseph Roy and Chanel Kennerly. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his kindness and all those heartfelt catchphrases that endeared him to so many.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Jessie (Lord) Hathaway; sister, Cheryl (Hathaway) Roy; brother-in-law Laurent Roy; and nephew, David Roy.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, MA, on Monday, September 23rd from 10-11:30 AM. The visitation will be followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Bedford, MA.

Bob's life and legacy will be cherished by his loved ones and all who knew him.