MARBLEHEAD – Mr. Robert L. Bouchard, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 21st, 2023 while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Salem on Christmas Eve, he was the son of the late Lionel and Louise (April) Bouchard. Robert was the loving husband of Elizabeth (Muller) Bouchard, with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Raised and educated in Salem, Mr. Bouchard graduated with honors from Salem High School's class of 1959. At a young age, Robert's innate business sense and unparalleled work ethic began to shine.  Though his father started the family garage, L.J. Bouchard and Son, Robert soon became, "Chief" and grew the business exponentially over the years that followed.  The family business enabled him to build race cars that he and his small, "Racing 97" team would race on weekends at tracks across New England.  They were a formidable racing team that often won their events through Robert's mechanical innovations.  Robert was of the Catholic faith and a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea. He was an extremely caring individual and loved helping others. He was a member of the Bertram Society for Salem Hospital, as well as a corporator for Salem Five Bank for many years.

Family was Robert's greatest joy in life and his home served as the hub for frequent family gatherings.  He loved spending time in his garden, where he would grow countless vegetables. He loved being in nature and cherished the many years spent at their Lake Winnipesaukee home, where he enjoyed snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and boating.  He looked forward to his trip to Sanibel Island, FL each year. In the summertime he enjoyed sunsets shared with dear friends on the Corinthian Yacht Club porch. Robert was also known to be a bit of a historian with a deep knowledge and love for Salem's rich history.

In addition to his loving wife, Elizabeth Bouchard, Robert is survived by his 3 sons; Robert Bouchard and his wife, Ellen of Salem, Michael Bouchard and his wife, Judy of Marblehead, and Gary Bouchard and his wife, Melissa of Marblehead, 2 daughters; Deborah Beatty and her husband, Scott of Swampscott, and Emily Hodgkinson and her husband, Andrew of Marblehead, and 13 grandchildren; Bobby, Samantha, Alexis, Taylor, Jack, Tucker, Grace, Cole, Ellie, Cody, Olivia, Will, and Charlotte, Sister, Linda Millea and Brother, Marc.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Robert's funeral Mass which will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead on Thursday, July 27th at 11 A.M. Assisting the family with arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Robert's memory to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center - Danvers
Web: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center