Robert V. Gauthier, 79, of North Dartmouth passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019 with the comfort and support of his family and friends at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 62 years of Juliette B. (LaBrie) Gauthier. He was born in New Bedford and lived in Dartmouth since 1981. He was the son of the late Joseph (Jack) Gauthier and Mae Gauthier of New Bedford.

Bob began his career in 1968 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford as a Unit Manager and advanced throughout the years to Vice President of Support Services at St. Luke’s and at Southcoast Health System including St. Luke’s, Charlton and Tobey Hospitals. He was dedicated as a leader in the organization running general services at the hospitals and he oversaw significant building expansion projects including Emergency Services, Surgical Services, Maternity, Pediatrics, Medical Offices and the Hawthorn Place Oncology Center. He retired in 2006 after 38 years. Bob attended Southeastern Massachusetts University and was affiliated professionally with the American College of Healthcare Executives, National Association of Hospital Purchasing Management, and the AHA Society for Hospital Engineering.

He was also involved in and he led many community organizations and was most fond of helping to educate many school age children through his work at Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts. He was Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of Junior Achievement from 1998 - 2000, President of the Kiwanis Club of New Bedford in 1996, and was Founding President, Treasurer and Board Member of the Southcoast Health System Federal Credit Union for over two decades.

Bob enjoyed his time off with his wife Julie as well as family and friends playing golf, traveling, reading and celebrating Boston sports victories. He and Julie enjoyed traveling and many Caribbean cruises. He and Julie especially loved the trips they shared with his sister Colette and brother-in-law Donald including their wonderful trip to Italy. He and Julie enjoyed the simple pleasures of dining out at local restaurants while socializing with their friends. He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren and was proud to attend their sporting events, activities and academic achievements throughout their high school and college years.

He is survived by his wife Julie, his two daughters Debbie Eckert of Cheshire, CT, Rachel Gauthier of South Dartmouth, his son Bob Gauthier and daughter-in-law Lyn Schwartz of Needham, MA, his six grandchildren Maddie, Harry and Olivia Parnell, Jake Eckert, and Ella and Bennett Gauthier, his sister Colette Brightman and brother-in-law Donald Brightman of Acushnet, MA, his sister-in-law Rita Forcier of Chelmsford, MA as well as his many nieces, nephews and his loveable beagle, Buddy.

Relatives and friends were invited to his memorial service on Friday, November 15 at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road, South Dartmouth. Burial followed in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts online at juniorachievement.org/web/ja-somass/home.