Robert F. Pajunen, 83 of West Wareham passed away Saturday, June 14 at St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford after a brief illness. Bob was the widower of (Mary) Jeanette (Tripp) Pajunen who passed away last Christmas Eve.

Bob lived in Wareham his entire life and graduated from Wareham High School, Class of 1949. A Korean War Veteran, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1952 through 1960.

He worked several jobs in his early years before becoming a cranberry grower for Ocean Spray. He also plowed snow for the Town of Wareham for several years.

Bob enjoyed gardening, cooking and playing cribbage. He reveled in being able to “earn” thirty cents by “fleecing” his adversaries at high stakes poker. He enjoyed his beer, made even better by the smelliest cheese he could find. He was a collector of potentially recyclable treasures which would come in handy someday. He loved his 1983 GMC truck, in which he and Mamas (the dog) took a daily ride. He loved animals – all animals, and always had pets which he enjoyed spoiling. He especially loved Arlene, his beloved cat.

He was a very simple, quiet man, but was never without an opinion – strong willed, some would say, due to his heritage. He had so few possessions of any monetary value, yet he never needed anything. He could be staunch, yet sensitive and cynical, yet trusting. Though he had little, his friends and family knew that he would give to anyone who was in need. He supported many charities even though he had barely enough to pay his own bills.

Bob leaves behind his children; Barbara (Gustafson) of Dennis, Sheila (Perry) of West Wareham, Johanna (White) of Wareham, and David Pajunen of West Wareham. He also leaves his grandchildren; James & Jillian Gustafson, David (Buddy) Pajunen II, and Tom & Andy White, who have so many great memories of their loving Grampa. He leaves Ralphie Reed, who became like another son to him, for which our family will always be grateful and Arlene, who will also miss him dearly.

In his final days, Bob put up a hard fight. His body was getting tired and shutting down, but his heart was the last thing to weaken. Surely it was made of gold.

In keeping with his wishes, a committal service will be held on Wednesday June 25th at 11:15 am at the Massachusetts National Cemetery (1 Bennington Blvd.) Bourne. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend and to please meet at the National Cemetery at 10:45. Bob will join his wife Mary for eternity. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center Street Wareham.