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April 23, 2025BERLIN – Robert D. Rainville, 86, passed peacefully at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, April 18.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sharon (Harriman) Rainville; two sons, Father Mark S. Rainville of Worcester; and Dr. Paul Rainville & wife Christine of Princeton; two granddaughters, Renée and Lindsey Rainville; his siblings and their spouses, Phillip Rainville, Claude Rainville, Ruth Amato, Jacqueline Lariviere & Scott, Jeanne Rainville, Judith Rainville & Peter Slik; generations of nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Leonard, Norman and Conrad Rainville.
Son of the late Raymond & Irene (Paquette) Rainville, Mr. Rainville was raised and educated in Berlin, and was a 1957 graduate of Clinton High School, Worcester Junior College and the New England College of Technology.
A proud patriot, Mr. Rainville served our nation in both the United States Army and Army National Guard and was honorably discharged after reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. He spent his professional career as a Mechanical Engineer, working for Lapointe Machine, Heald Machine & Tool, and Saint-Gobain, from where he ultimately retired.
A man of great faith, Mr. Rainville was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph the Good Provider Church in Berlin, where he served in numerous capacities, notably as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, lector, religious education teacher, former chairman of the Fall Fair, and the parish’s Partners in Charity campaign.
Dedicated to his community, Mr. Rainville was the past commander of the American Legion Post 162 in Berlin and past president of the Berlin Lions Club. He was a trusted historian of World War II and an avid reader of military history. Known for both his hard work ethic and quick wit, Mr. Rainville could often be found cutting firewood in his yard or bringing laughter to all occasions with any of his one-liners and sense of humor.
A Mass of Christian Burial was to be celebrated Wednesday at St. Joseph the Good Provider Catholic Church, 52 West St., Berlin, with Father Rainville, as the principal celebrant. Burial was to follow in North Cemetery, Highland St., Berlin.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert Rainville to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605. Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, conducted arrangements. Online condolences can be made at philbincomeaufh.com.