Robert Riopel

OXFORD - Robert R. Riopel, 68, died Sunday, December 28, 2008, at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus, Worcester. He is survived by seven brothers and sisters, Warren H. Riopel of Turlock, CA, Walter E. Riopel of Farmington, CT, Paul R. Riopel of Jacksonville, FL, Barbara W. Thayer of Warren, Joanne M. LaCourse of Dudley, Suzan J. Tallman of Baldwinville, and Carol L. Brodeur of Charlton; many nephews, nieces, and cousins, including his cousin Eva Murree, and his long-time friend, Claire VanPelt. He was predeceased by two brothers, Nelson J. Riopel Jr. who died in 1983, and Douglas A. Riopel who died in 1997. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Nelson J. and Helen L. (Mason) Riopel Sr., and was a longtime resident of Oxford. He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and Nichols College in Dudley in 1994. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War Era. Mr. Riopel was a chef at the Atrium Restaurant in Worcester for several years. Previously, he was a manager at several White Tower Restaurants in New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford and a former member of the missions committee. He enjoyed fishing, cooking for church suppers, flower gardening, and watching the Red Sox. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2009, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. A graveside committal service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009, at North Cemetery, Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.