PORTLAND — Robert Gerard Pelletier, Sr. 88, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland having succumbed to injuries received a week prior during an automobile accident.

Bob was born on August 12, 1935, to the late Fred and Alvia (Michaud) Pelletier in St. John Plantation, Maine. Bob’s first language was French. He attended local elementary schools before attending high school first at Assumption High School in Worcester, Mass., and then finishing his high school studies at LaSalle Military Academy on Long Island, N.Y. He received his bachelor of arts degree in Business Studies in 1956 from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

Bob was raised in the Roman Catholic faith and maintained a strong relationship with his church up until the time of his death. As a resident of Bridgton, he was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Bridgton. Bob volunteered countless hours to his church over the years in many different capacities such as Eucharistic minister and lector among other things. Bob was also very involved with his local chapter of Knights of Columbus having held many different offices with them over the years.

Bob was taught at an early age how important it is to serve one’s fellow man.

He was always active in his community. Up until his recent passing, he participated with many local Bridgton service organizations. Serving with the Bridgton Lions Club was a highlight of his life. He held many offices with the Lions over the years and was regularly acknowledged by them for his outstanding contributions to the club and to his community. Bob, also at one time, was a member of the Rotary Club. Additionally, he was very active with the Maine Republicans. Also, he frequently volunteered at different Special Olympic events held throughout the state of Maine. He also worked with the Lakes Environmental Association as a boat inspector and was a member of the Bridgton Snowmobile Club. At one time, he was a very energetic participant of the Portland Club.

Bob was first married in 1955. That marriage produced five children. During the years spent raising his five kids, Bob was employed by Sears and Roebuck holding many different management level positions requiring frequent moves to different Sears stores located throughout New England and New York State.

In the late 1970s, Bob transitioned from Sears to owning various hardware stores in Portland, Kennebunk and Wells. After Bob retired and sold his stores, he still worked part time at the Naples Aubuchon because he never lost his love for the hardware business.

Bob met his second wife, Judith Horton Hayes Pelletier, in the early 80s. She was the love of his life. They were married for 39 years until her sudden passing in October 2022.

Bob was also predeceased by three of his siblings, Lorene Pelletier, Roland Pelletier and Bernadette Smith. Sadly, he was predeceased by his cherished son, John Pelletier in May 2018.

Bob is survived by four children, Paula Raposa (and David) of Warwick, R.I.; Robert Pelletier (and partner Marie Wernicki) of Tolland, Mass.; Victoria Kennedy (and Bruce) of Alton, N.H., and Barbara Pelletier of Marlborough, Mass. He is also survived by his grandchildren Matthew (and Francesca) Ken- nedy; Katelyn (and Tim) Hall; Joseph (and Ashley) Raposa; Anna (and Mamadou) Ba; Kimberly (and Kevin) Romero; Robert (and Mariah) Pelletier; Christopher Pelletier; Elise Pel- letier (and fiancé Andrew Hoffman) and Molly Raposa (and partner Michael Slone). In addition he is survived by 10 great- grandchildren: Jay, Evan, Theodore and Luciana Kennedy; Oliver Raposa; Mica Ba; Ensley, Elias and Ezra Romero and Roslyn Pelletier.

Bob also considered Judy’s three children and four grandchildren as his own. He is survived by all of them: Susan Hayes (and partner Mike Ginty) of Raymond; Robin Hayes (and partner Kirk Mains) of North Windham, and John (and Christina) Hayes and their children, Charlie, Edward, Max and Mia Hayes of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

Bob is also survived by his beloved sister, Patricia (Pelletier) Michaud of Limerick. He is survived by many nieces and nephews as well.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 South High Street, Bridgton.

Condolences by mail may be sent to: the Robert Pelletier Family, C/O Kennedy, PO Box 299, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837-0299.

Donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Lion’s Club of Bridgton, the Knight’s of Columbus of Bridgton or Harvest Hills Animal Shelter of Bridgton.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, ME. www.hallfuneralhome.net