MARLBOROUGH - Robert D. Padula, 73, of Marlborough died Sunday, July 29, 2012 at his home.  He was born, raised and educated in Marlborough, the son of Frank Padula of Barrington, N.H. and the late Rita (Damico) Padula, and was a graduate of Marlboro Vocational High School in 1957. Bob was a U.S. Navy veteran and following an honorable discharge, attended and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighters Academy.  He was a Marlborough firefighter from 1970 to 1987 when he retired due to disability, and was a member of the ITAM Veterans Post # 45. He enjoyed reading, fishing, playing cards--especially cribbage--and spending time with his grandchildren. Bob was known by all as a jokester, "as goofy as a haddock" type of guy. He was a gifted artist and wood carver and enjoyed classic movies.

Besides his father, he leaves his son, Donald R. Padula of Barre and his daughter, Kelly A. Mongeau and her husband, Joe, of Petersham; a sister, Anne and her husband, Bob "Gizzy" Garceau, of Barrington, N.H.; his grandchildren, Ryan M., Jacob T. and Carly E. Mongeau, all of Petersham; his dear companion and lifelong friend, Peggy Cahill of Marlborough; and his former wife, Rozelle (Seymoure) Tucker of Fernandina Beach, Fla.

A celebration of Bob's life with military honors will be held Friday, Aug. 3 at 11 a.m., at the Lincoln Chapel of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home ( www.CollinsFuneral.com ), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. Following cremation, burial will be private. Calling hours will be held Thursday, Aug. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home. Instead of flowers donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans Fishing Derby Fund, ITAM War Veterans Post 45, c/o Richard MacIver, 111 Neil Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. All are invited to share a story or remembrance of Bob at his online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com .