Robert Emmett Gilliam, 79, of Phippsburg, passed away in Newcastle at 3 a.m., Feb. 13 with his three loving daughters by his side. It was as peaceful as anyone would want for their loving dad.
Bob was born in Yonkers, N.Y., the son of Oliver P. and Mary Lyons Gilliam on Oct. 18, 1934. When he was 12, the family moved to West Point. He went to the little village school there where he was caretaker of getting the fire started to warm the class. He would always make it known that he graduated from “West Point.” He was a graduate of Morse High School, class of ’52.
Bob worked with his dad lobstering, fishing and helping build boats and honed his fish cutting skills with his uncle Eliot at the fish store in Brunswick.
Bob married Marilyn J. Thomas in 1957 and they had three daughters. He joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in 1960. Upon his discharge in 1963 he went to work for Oakhurst Dairy until 1969 when he opened Gilliam’s Seafood, working two winters at the Bath Post Office until the business became profitable, and retired in 1999. We realized one day how our dad was a military man, milkman, postman and fisherman.
He loved playing banjo for relaxation.
Bob was known as a kind and gentle man.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Norman P. Gilliam, and Maureen C. Murphy; and nephews, Jimmy, Anthony and Jeffrey.
He leaves behind his longtime girlfriend, Patricia Carpenter and her children; daughters, Loretta Little and husband Stanley of Bath, Susan Anderson and husband Lester of Newcastle, and Amber Albert and husband Larry of Woolwich; grandchildren, Angela Nickerson and husband Tim of Phippsburg, and Hope Horning and husband Luke of Phippsburg; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Lexie and Nathan; brothers, James O. Gilliam and wife Margret of Maine and Florida, and Philmore “Neddie” Gilliam of Phippsburg; he was uncle Bobby to Norman, Tommy, Cherie, Brian, Don, Pam, Audrey, Mark, Joe, Dana and Elaine; and many great nieces and nephews; and last but not least his beloved cats, “Tigey” and “Mr. Stubbs.”
Visiting hours will be held 2-3:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 20 at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. A funeral service will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of life will follow the service at the Knights of Columbus, where all are invited to share memories with the family.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.