Father Bob Mathieu passed away all too soon after a fatal car accident on Feb. 16, 2018, in Albuquerque, N.M. A patient and kind soul, he was embraced by those who knew him. Over the course of his 42 years in the priesthood, he formed beautiful and lasting friendships, and will be greatly missed. An evening vigil will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church, located at 1655 S. Main St. in Snowflake. Holy Rosary will follow the vigil at 7 p.m. Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, also at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Snowflake Cemetery. Born in Winchendon, Mass., and raised in Westborough, Mass., Father Bob was the oldest of 12 children. He felt a calling to the priesthood at the age of eight and in high school decided to answer that call. Ordained at his home parish in Westborough in 1976, Father Bob began his ministry in the Southwest. Father Bob’s first assignment was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Winslow where he served as assistant to the pastor. He also served in various parishes throughout the Diocese of Gallup, including Holbrook and Springerville, and Grants, N.M. At the time of the accident he was the pastor of Our Lady of the Snow in Snowflake. Father Bob enjoyed serving as a chaplain at the Apache Unit, Arizona State Prison, the women’s prison, and the men’s facility in Grants, N.M. His passion for his Catholic ministry was also apparent through his active involvement in the Cursillo movement and the youth ministry. Father Bob also led several pilgrimages and served as spiritual leader during visits to the Holy Land, Ireland and Medjugorje. Father Bob leaves behind six brothers and five sisters, Michael (Paula) of Westborough, Thomas of West Palm Beach, Fla., Beatrice (Douglas) Duncan of Natick, Mass., Leonore Griffin and her partner Michael Warren of Worcester, Mass.; Leo of Westborough, Theresa (John) Strouse of Grafton, Mass.; Joseph (Judith) of Belfast, Maine, Mary (Preben) Christensen of Westborough; Mark (Lisa) of Dover, N.H.; Roberta (Brian) Falvey of Westborough and John (Kerry) of Westborough. He also leaves behind 27 beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert J. and Leonore M. Mathieu. The Mathieu family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to all who touched Father Bob’s life and welcomed him into their lives. Father Bob sought to serve his diocese for many years. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Snowflake handled the arrangements.
