 By: George J. Bibilos This past week my father in law, Robert R. Khouri passed away having suffered a massive stroke at the age of 80. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob since I starting going out with his daughter Doreen back in 1989 - where does the time go? He lived in the family home on Washington Street in West Roxbury his whole life, planting his garden every year in the backyard that would yield more tomatoes and cucumbers than he could use or give away. In the summer he would be in his blue Dickies, undershirt (the proverbial wife beater tank top), and dark socks and black shoes. When it wasn't a warm summer day he would also wear either a light blue or white button shirt. Bob worked as a letter sorter at South Postal for many years and retired back in 1995. He was a West Roxbury townie who enjoyed his trips to Roche Brothers for groceries or going for takeout at Tony's Place. He used to love going to Fontaine's which was a great old chicken joint that had this landmark neon chicken sign in front of the place that had a wing that flapped welcoming the customers. They had the best fried chicken, mashies and squash I've ever had. They also used to have these great toasted buttered rolls they served with the meals. YUM!! I was told that the late Dapper O'Neil's girlfriend used to work at Fontaine's (also known as Topsy's). My father in law was a home body that did not leave West Roxbury that much. His brother Ernie and wife jay along with their family lived right next door to my father in law for many years until Ernie retired and sold the place around the time Doreen and I got married - 1993. People would come visit my in-laws and Bob would put on a pot of Hills Brothers or Maxwell House coffee. Bob didn't go for all the fancy coffee, he liked his old stand-bys he had been drinking for years. My kids loved their Jido (grandfather) and going down to visit him and their Tete (grandmother) and Uncle Bobby. Jido used to love play with the kids, particularly my youngest Jimmy. In many ways Bob was a big kid at heart and loved the company of his grandkids. Elena wrote Jido a note after she heard he had passed away. In it she told him how much she loved him, how "awesome" he was and that now he could fly. We all got a little weepy. Bob was also a Mason who joined West Roxbury - Dorchester Lodge approximately 48 years ago. For many years he had hoped his son and namesake Robert would also join the fraternity but for 20 years or so he showed little interest. Fortunately early this year that changed and he took his degrees at his father's lodge. I was fortunate enough to be able to raise Bob and his cousin Ralph, my brother in law Peter Jervinis and most importantly his Dad were there to see it. Bob was pleased to give his son his Masonic ring which we had cleaned up and resized for him. Bobby now wears it with pride. Who knew Bob would be gone a few short months later. I am going to miss my father in law. He was a simple man and also the kindest and most honest man I had the pleasure of knowing. I am glad his suffering was brief after his stroke and that he is at peace in a better place. He loved his old home in West Roxbury, he loved his garden, he loved to run his errands around town, but most of all he loved his family and we certainly loved him and will miss his laughs and his smiles. Rest in peace Bob and say hello to my Dad and your brother Ernie for me - I'm sure they are glad to see their old friend. |
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Members of Golden Rule Lodge are asked to remit their 2010-11 Masonic year dues payment by September 1, 2010. Checks should be made payable to Golden Rule Lodge and sent to our Secretary's attention at 264 Grove Street, Melrose, MA 02176. If you have not received your summer mailer which includes the dues invoice or have any questions please contact our Secretary at
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