Robert R. Giddings, Jr., a longtime school teacher, died Sunday, May 25th in his home. His wife of 52 years, Mary M. (Leary) Giddings died March 26th. He leaves his brother, Raymond T. Giddings, Sr. of Auburn; two nephews, Raymond T. Giddings, Jr. and James C. Giddings, both of Springfield; and several cousins.

   Mr. Giddings was born in Worcester, the son of Robert R. Giddings, Sr. and Doris (Thursby) Giddings. He was a graduate of Auburn High School, Worcester Junior College and Northeastern University. Mr. Giddings was employed by Leicester High School for many years and was the head of its business education program. He had also been employed by Heald Machine, the Harwood Quincy Machine shop in the purchasing department and by the Norton Company in production control. Mr. Giddings was a decorated WWII U.S. Army veteran serving with the Fifth Army Band in Italy and received the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon and the European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon. Music was a big part of Mr. Giddings’ life. He played the clarinet, was a member, treasurer and assistant director of the Aletheia Grotto Band and had been a member of the Allepo Temple Band. Mr. Giddings was a member of the Massachusetts Retired Teachers’ Association, the National Education Association, the Southern Worcester County Retired Teachers Association, the Joel H. Prouty Lodge A.F. & A.M. and was currently a member and treasurer for the Greendale Retired Men’s Club.

   The funeral is Saturday, May 31st from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a service at 11:00 AM in St. Michael’s-On-The-Heights Church, 340 Burncoat Street. Burial will be private. A calling hour will be held Saturday from 9:30 until 10:30 AM in the funeral home.