�SOUTHBRIDGE: Robert E. Rankel, 87, of Worcester St. died Thursday, Nov. 13 at Southbridge Rehab and Nursing.
He leaves his wife of 60 years Eleanor (Crete) Rankel, a son Robert Rankel of Southbridge, a daughter Barbara Cordell and her husband Bob of Southbridge; a brother George of Ind; 6 grandchildren Sarah and her husband Zachary LaVergne, Robert Andrew Cordell, Robert Joseph Rankel, Amanda Lemire, Casandra Proulx, Sean Desmond, 10 great grandchildren and nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by a son Dennis J. Rankel who died March 14, 2009 and by his brother Vincent Rankel, and sisters Rosemary Armstrong, Helen Williams, Frances Knepp, Katherine Ashman, Margaret Feirrell, and Agnes Rankel.
Robert was born in Washington. IND, the son of the late George and Barbara (Mangin) Rankel and lived in the area many years.
He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. While in the Air Force he played on the Air Force Softball team and the Air Force all star team.
He retired from Harrington Hospital and prior worked for Galileo in Sturbridge. He was a member of St. Mary's parish, Knights of Columbus; past president of St. Mary's PTO, Optimist Club, Brothers of the Brush and was a Scout leader.
Bob also managed the Galileo softball team and led them to the State Championship.
He enjoyed cooking, baking and making candy.
A funeral procession will form at 9:00 AM from the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St. Southbridge, followed with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Monday, Nov 17, in St. Mary's Church (of the St. John Paul II parishes), Hamilton St. Southbridge. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.
Calling hours in the funeral home are from 2:00 to 4:00PM, Sunday, Nov. 16.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Attention: Advance Guard
P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-9917