Robert "Bob" Belanger

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Robert “Bob” Belanger

On January 8, 2026, we said goodbye to Robert Belanger—fondly known as Bob—just one day before his 86th birthday. Bob was the proud owner of Belanger Hardware in Fitchburg, MA, a beloved local institution founded by his father, Maurice, in 1946. This year marked 80 years of business, a milestone Bob was so proud to celebrate.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Cecile (Morin) and Maurice Belanger and his stepmother, Josephine (Viggiano) Belanger. He leaves behind cousins Peter and his wife Debbie Cannavino, their children Nick Cannavino, Alisha and (Paul) Marklund; Richard Cannavino and his daughter Erika Johnson, Bill and Diane Sultan and his very close friend and caregiver for the last several years Paul Grautski.

A calling hour will be held on January 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM until 11a.m. followed by a funeral home service beginning at 11a.m. at Lavery Chartrand  Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Interment will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery and all relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

Belanger Hardware: Eight Decades of Service, History, and Heart

In 1946, Maurice Belanger opened the doors of Belanger Hardware in Fitchburg, Massachusetts—a modest shop built on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to community.   When Maurice passed away in 1975, his son Bob Belanger stepped in to carry on the family legacy.

Bob kept the store running with the same old-fashioned charm and personal touch that defined its early years. Walking into Belanger Hardware was like stepping back in time—a true time capsule of tools, service machines, and traditions that never faded, even as the world around it changed.

As big-box retailers and online shopping reshaped the industry, Belanger Hardware adapted in its own way. It became the go-to spot for screen repairs and a trusted resource for those who valued personal service over convenience. But more than that, it remained place where customers weren’t just shoppers, they were friends.

To everyone who walked through those doors, shared a story, or supported local business: thank you. Your loyalty and friendship meant the world to Bob and to the Belanger family. Though the store will close, its legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew it as more than a hardware store—it was a place of community, conversation, and connection