Robert E. Bouvier, Jr., 49, of Jamaica Plain, died unexpectedly at home Thursday, June 2, 2011. He was the beloved son of the late Robert E. and Juliette C. (Chapdelaine) Bouvier of Spencer. He leaves behind his wife Yenni (Hernandez) Bouvier, and his sisters, Audette Hammitt and her husband Glen, and their son Sean of Shrewsbury; Rochelle Hastings and her husband Robert of Guilford, CT; Michelle Bouvier of Seattle, WA; and Charron Holtzman, her husband Michael and their son Benjamin of Barrington, RI. He also leaves his nephew Jason George, his wife Sabrina and their daughter Olivia, whom he recently visited in the Baltimore area; his nephew Andrew Hastings and his wife Rebecca, and their children Eliza, Tim and Annalise; his niece Jessica George and her husband David Stanke and their son Wyatt; and his niece Ellen Kendall and her husband Tim. Joey DeCoff and his family of Spencer were kind and devoted friends all his life. His large tabby cat Amigo was a faithful companion.

Born and raised in Spencer, Rob attended the former St. Mary’s School and graduated from Holy Name High School in Worcester. During high school, he worked multiple part-time jobs despite the commute and rigorous academics, and earned the reputation of being a hard worker. He attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester and graduated from North Adams State College in 1984. In 1990, he earned a MBA degree from Assumption College in Worcester. More recently he took courses toward earning a master’s degree in education at several Boston universities.

He had taught elementary school in Boston for the past ten years.

At age five, while playing with a friend, he was severely injured in an accident. Despite the special challenges this left him with, he fought bravely to have a career and help others, especially his students and family. During his years as a third-grade reading specialist at Agassiz Elementary School in Jamaica Plain, he coordinated an after-school program for neighborhood children at a nearby community center. Mr. Bouvier took special pride in volunteering time to establish a “boot camp” during school vacations in 2003 to prepare students for the MCAS tests, and his efforts were recognized by state legislators and then-governor Mitt Romney. He was known to visit students’ homes to bring them to class.

Prior to becoming a teacher, he travelled and worked on cell phone technology in Argentina. He also visited Mexico and Venezuela at other times.

Rob played baseball , hockey and tennis in his childhood and remained a devoted fan of New England teams.

From his parents he inherited a lifelong appreciation of popular music, and enjoyment of good food and trips to the coast of Maine.

Rob will be remembered for his entertaining personality, perseverance, sense of humor, and loyalty. He had a life too short, but it was filled with love and devotion from his family. He has joined our beloved parents and, along with them, will live on forever in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 4-7 PM Thursday June 9, 2011 in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral will be held at 12 NOON Friday June 10, 2011 in St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street Shrewsbury. Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make donations’ to the New England Home for Little Wanderers, 271 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115 OR TO the Spencer Rescue Squad, 6 Bixby Road Spencer, MA 01562.