Robert A LaPierre

Robert A. LaPierre, Jr., 46, of Shrewsbury, passed away suddenly Wednesday, December 2, 2009, after being stricken ill while on vacation in St. Maarten. Robert is survived by his best friend and adored wife of 21 years, Justine M. (Rock) LaPierre; his cherished children, Maria Elise and Anthony William LaPierre all of Shrewsbury; two brothers, James LaPierre and Dennis LaPierre of Worcester; two sisters, Susan Burgess of Raynham and Debra Hickson of Oxford; many nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends. Robert was born on March 20, 1963, the son of Robert LaPierre, Sr. and Lorraine (Gosselin) LaPierre. He graduated from the Worcester Public School system, earned his Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy and his certificate in Cardiovascular Perfusion from Northeastern University, and lived in Shrewsbury for more than 22 years. Bob worked for the Cardiovascular Perfusion Department of Children's Hospital in Boston for 23 years; the past 4 years as Chief of the Department. He was also a clinical instructor of infant and pediatric surgery at Northeastern University. During the past 23 years at Children's Hospital, Bob authored several book chapters and articles in the field of perfusion and cardiac surgery. He was a certified member of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion and a licensed perfusionist of the State of Massachusetts. Bob was a member of The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT), Project Hope, and he was involved in numerous medical missions to countries including China, Bratislava, Mexico and Ghana. Bob will always be remembered as a devoted husband and father, true friend, and a dedicated member of Red Sox Nation. Robert's funeral service will be held Friday December 11th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester, with a service at 11:00 AM in the First Congregational Church, 19 Church St., Shrewsbury. Burial will be private. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, December 10th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the LaPierre Children's Trust fund, Care of Sovereign Bank, 47 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545.