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Robert C. J. Bukowiecki, 75 of Shrewsbury died peacefully on Friday, September 14, 2018 at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus due to complications from a massive stroke he suffered in February 2014. He was the husband for 48 years of Dr. Elaine (Shaw) Bukowiecki, a professor of literacy education and Chairperson of the Department of Counselor Education at Bridgewater State University.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, Robert is survived by his two godsons, Bernard Patsky III and Brandon Koehler; several cousins; and two little canine friends, Thelma and Louise. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Genevieve (Pulaski) and Stephen Bukowiecki; his in-laws, Hazel (Brommels) and Hugh E. Shaw; his maternal grandparents, Adam and Mary Pulaski; his paternal grandparents, Stanislaus and Antonia Bukowiecki; several aunts and uncles; and several cousins.

Robert was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and spent his youth in Shrewsbury. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School and then pursued his education as a mechanical design engineer at Worcester Industrial Technical School, Worcester Junior College, and Northeastern University. Robert began his career in mechanical design in Worcester, where he worked for Riley Stoker Company and David Clark Company. At David Clark Company, Robert designed spacesuit parts for the Apollo and Gemini Missions, United States Space Program. Robert then left the Worcester area and worked for Polaroid Corporation for 28 years, designing machinery for camera parts. After taking an early retirement from Polaroid Corporation, Robert worked at Hamilton Standard Sundstrand Corporation (United Technology Company), where he designed parts for the International Space Station, United States Space Program, and submarine parts for United States Navy. Robert was very proud of the fact that he worked at Polaroid Corporation under the direction of Dr. Edwin Land, and that he began and ended his career as a machinal designer working for the United States Space Program. From 1964-1970, Robert served as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Division of the Massachusetts National Guard (United States Army) in Worcester, Massachusetts.

An avid sailor with his wife, Elaine, Robert was a member of the East Greenwich, Rhode Island Yacht Club. Robert was a charter member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, both in Washington, D.C. Robert was also a member of the Friends of the Smithsonian Museum Association, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Friends of the Boston Symphony Association, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00 AM till 10:30 AM in BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury followed by his Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 in St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Burial will immediately follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, Boylston Street, Shrewsbury. A memorial luncheon will take place at 1:00 at the Sole Proprietor Restaurant, 118 Highland Street, Worcester.

Flowers may be sent, or contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or another charity of one’s choice.