Robert E Herne

SPRINGFIELD - Robert E. Herne, 78, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Springfield on September 12, 1932 to the late Charles and Kathryn (Blanchfield) Herne. Robert attended schools in Springfield and graduated from Springfield Trade High School. Mr. Herne served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War. While in the military, Robert earned the National Defense Service Medal. Upon his discharge, he made his home in Springfield and spent much of his life working at Milton Bradley and New School Supply where he retired after forty-five years of service. Robert leaves on this earth to cherish his memory, his companion of fifty years, Joan Atkins of Indian Orchard; his niece and his nephew and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Robert was also predeceased by his brother, Charles S. Herne. A funeral procession will form on Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m. at the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St. Indian Orchard, MA. There will be a Funeral Home Service at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow the Service in St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield. Family and friends will gather on Monday, May 16 at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to celebrate Robert's life. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to the American Cancer Society, Centralized Memorial Processing Center, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701. Please visit www.ratellfuneralhome.com for directions or to share a memory with Robert's family.