Communities Mourn Loss of Four Prominent Figures

Outdoor gathering for a memorial service with candles and flowers

News Summary

Wakefield, Barre, Edgewood, and Borger communities are mourning the passing of four significant individuals. Robert A. Anderson Sr., Donald A. Wakefield, Henry Albert Wakefield, Jr., and John Charles Wakefield have left a lasting impact on their families and the community. Each was known for their unique contributions, passions, and dedication to their loved ones, with memorial services planned to honor their memories.

Wakefield, RI – The communities of Wakefield, Barre, Edgewood, and Borger are grieving the recent losses of four prominent figures: Robert A. Anderson Sr., Donald A. Wakefield, Henry Albert Wakefield, Jr., and John Charles Wakefield. Together, these men touched the lives of many and left lasting legacies in their families and communities.

Robert A. Anderson Sr. Passes at 75

Robert A. Anderson Sr., aged 75, of Wakefield, RI, passed away on October 24, 2025. Born on February 12, 1950, in Providence, RI, he was the son of Lucille (LeClair) Anderson and Arthur J. Anderson. Anderson served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a mechanic for four years and then dedicated 20 years to the automotive trade before transitioning to a successful career as a General Contractor specializing in carpentry.

Throughout his career, Anderson was known for his exceptional skills in building and remodeling homes, primarily in Narragansett, RI. Outside of work, he was admired for his generosity and cherished spending quality time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Beauvais) Anderson, as well as siblings Elaine, MaryAnn, Daniel, and Thomas. His legacy continues through his children, Robert A. Anderson Jr., Michael R. Anderson, and Erin M. Anderson, along with six grandchildren: Michaela, Alisa, Dylan, Brooke, Ryan, and Brady. In lieu of a memorial service, the family requests donations to be made to the American Lung Association for research in Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).

Donald A. Wakefield Remembered at 46

Donald A. Wakefield, 46, of Barre, VT, passed away during the weekend of September 19, 2025. He was born on October 29, 1978, in Randolph, VT, to Teresa Wakefield and Donald Cahoon. Donald graduated from Randolph Union High School in 1996 and became a dedicated employee at Cabot Hosiery in Northfield, VT, where he eventually advanced to the role of shipping supervisor.

Donald is remembered fondly for his love of cooking, music, and outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and disc golf. He is survived by his wife, Siobhan Kelly, and their two children, Ivahn Wakefield-Wilder and Emilia Kelly-Wakefield, alongside his mother Teresa Wakefield, sister Jennifer Wakefield, and step-children Alicia Wilder-Wright, Kenny Huntley, and Kyra Levine. A funeral service is scheduled at Day Funeral Home in Randolph, VT, on October 2, 2025.

Henry Albert Wakefield, Jr. Remembered for His Service

Henry Albert Wakefield, Jr. (Hank), aged 76, of Edgewood, MD, passed away on October 4, 2025. A Baltimore native, he was the son of the late Henry Albert Wakefield, Sr. and Dorothea Helen (Podzimek) Wakefield. Hank served in the Vietnam War as an Army Veteran and spent over 40 years employed by Baltimore Gas and Electric.

He was married to Patricia Wakefield for 46 years before her passing. Hank is survived by his children, Henry (Susan) Wakefield III and Malinda (Brandon) Cronise, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his siblings, Judy Hines and Kevin Wakefield, and numerous extended family members. For those wishing to honor his memory, memorial contributions can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

John Charles Wakefield’s Legacy at 74

John Charles Wakefield, 74, of Borger, TX, passed away on October 10, 2025. Born on July 30, 1951, in Spencer, Iowa, he was the son of Robert Wakefield and Barbara Sieh Wakefield. John married Denna Eshbach on January 2, 1998, in Borger, where he resided for 42 years as a Stillman at Phillips.

John was a man of faith with a passion for cars, boats, history, music, and learning. He is survived by his wife, Denna Wakefield, and their children Bryan, David, Robert Johnston, and Aaron Johnston, along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service is planned for October 17, 2025, at Westlawn Memorial Park to honor his memory.

The families of Robert A. Anderson Sr., Donald A. Wakefield, Henry Albert Wakefield, Jr., and John Charles Wakefield invite the community to remember their loved ones and celebrate their legacies.

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