Robert A. "Bob-O" Duval

BARRE - Robert A. “Bob-O” Duval, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Born in Ware and raised in Barre, Robert was the son of the late Robert J. and Angelina S. (Femino) Duval. He attended Barre public schools and was a graduate of Quabbin Regional High School. After high school, Bob’s passion for exploration had taken him all the way to Hawaii and also to the west coast where he pursued motorcross racing and lived in Oregon before coming back to Mass to work for his parents family business, R.J. Duval & Sons Plumbing and Heating, where he worked for many years before becoming the owner and operator, a role he proudly held for the last decade.

Family was above all else to Bob. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren and made it a priority to be there for each of them. He rarely missed a sporting event and took great pride in watching his family grow and succeed. Bob had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was truly the epitome of someone who would “take the shirt off his back” for another.

Bob had many passions throughout his life. One of Bob’s favorite pastimes was hiking, especially the waterfalls of New England. He loved traveling to Maine, where he enjoyed relaxing and camping with those he loved. He was incredibly mechanical and had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything. He had a particular passion for trains, especially the magnificent Union Pacific Big Boy steam engines. He enjoyed spending time at New England Dragway. Bob was also known as an encyclopedia of knowledge. Whenever family or friends had a question, the answer was often simple: “Ask Bob” More often than not, Bob knew the answer.

Bob will be deeply missed by his beloved children, Amber R. Duval and her fiancé, Jeremy Nowicki, of Barre; Sheena M. Fargnoli and her husband, Todd, of Wheelwright; and Misty L. Thorpe and her husband, Sean, of Barre; his cherished grandchildren, Lane, Kenzie, Isla, Jorja, Hazel, Gwen, and Cadence; his lifelong partner, Lori A. Snyder; and his stepchildren, whom he loved and considered his own, Alyssa L. Holmes and her husband, Michael, along with their children, Austin, Brody, and Carly of Barre; Jake H. Rojcewicz of New Braintree; and David K. Rojcewicz of New Braintree. He also leaves his siblings, Madeline Brant and her husband, Allen, of Barre; Gail Mitchell and her husband, Jeff, of Barre, Glenn Duval of WA; and Regina Duval of Petersham; along with many nieces and nephews, several extended family members, and countless beloved friends.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his son, Joseph A. Duval, and his stepson, Joshua M. Stone.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Bob’s family during a period of Calling Hours on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, 398 Vernon Avenue, South Barre, MA. All guests who plan to attend the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. A Celebration of Life will follow at Post 2 Legion, 405 South Barre Road, Barre, MA.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Bob leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless stories, and an immeasurable legacy of love, kindness, and generosity. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.