Robert R. Pape, 83, Adopt-A-Student leader

SHREWSBURY – Robert R. Pape, 83, a longtime supporter of Catholic education, died peacefully in his home Aug. 21, surrounded by his loving family.
A lector and daily communicant at his parish, St. Mary in Shrewsbury, he was also a member of the First Friday Club and chairman of the Adopt-A-Student program, which raises money for scholarships for students in the diocese’s central Catholic schools.
“Bob Pape was devoted to serving those in need by his support for the ministry of Catholic education,” commented Bishop McManus. “His commitment to the Adopt-A-Student program truly changed the lives of so many young people. His example of Catholic stewardship was also a model to many others in the community who would work with him to provide scholarships to those families who needed it most. I join my prayers to those of his family and friends that God may grant him eternal rest.”
“I’m grateful for Mr. Pape’s tireless dedication and leadership with the Adopt-A-Student program,” said David Perda, superintendent of Catholic schools. “His work made it possible for countless students to attend diocesan Catholic schools, who would otherwise have been unable to do so.” 
“He was a wonderful man,” said Robert J. Kenney, his right-hand helper in the Adopt-A-Student program. “We worked for 40 years on non-profits. We feel we accomplished a lot. He was the leader.” 
Mr. Pape was happiest when he was helping someone else, and he valued the impact that education can have on a person’s life, so he spent a great deal of time serving on boards at several educational institutions in the Worcester area. 
He served on the board of trustees for the Adams Farm community, where he and his wife, Delphine S. Pape, spent many wonderful years with special neighbors. In his free time, he could be found golfing at the Worcester Country Club, where he sat on the board of governors. 
Mr. Pape was born in Ravena, New York. As the seventh of eight sons, he grew up learning the value of family, hard work, and a strong faith. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, New York. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Siena College, Loudonville, New York, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably until 1963. He was a 1970 graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s School of Industrial Management and later was the recipient of the school’s Albert H. Schwieger Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement. In 2019, Mr. Pape was humbled to receive an honorary doctorate degree from Anna Maria College.
He enjoyed a successful 34-year career with the former Jamesbury Corporation/Neles Jamesbury, now Valmet, until he retired in 1998 as president of the Industrial Valve Division.
Mr. Pape was a devoted son, brother, husband and father. Time spent with his family was most important to him and he looked forward to family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
He and his wife enjoyed travelling and especially looked forward to annual trips to Bermuda with their group of friends of over 25 years, the “LongTales, Ltd.”
In addition to his wife of 53 years, he leaves their loving daughter, Delphine Soucie, and her husband, Matthew, of West Simsbury, Connecticut; his brother, Father William H. Pape, of the Diocese of Albany, New York; along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Rocco and Nancy (Frangella) Pape, and his brothers, Joseph R. Pape, John P. Pape, Carmino A. Pape, Alfred E. Pape, Edward J. Pape, and Lawrence A. Pape.
His family would like to thank Dr. Deepika Devuni as well as the doctors, nurses and EMTs from UMass/Memorial's Hospital at Home program, and the caregivers at JM Home Healthcare, for the outstanding care that Bob received. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following educational organizations: Adopt-A-Student, for the benefit of the Robert R. Pape Memorial Scholarship Fund, 49 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609; Saint Mary’s School, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545; or to Siena College, Development Office, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211, where a scholarship endowment will be established in his memory. Checks may be made to your chosen organization with “Bob Pape Memorial" noted in the memo section.
Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. The funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Aug. 27, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow.