Robert P. Chaplin, 88, of New Gloucester, died peacefully at home on March 4 surrounded by his family. Born Nov. 7, 1919, in Auburn, he was the fourth of seven sons born to Clifford Harold and Jeanette Palmer Chaplin.
Bob attended Edward Little High School, Class of 1937, where he was an athlete, excelling in football, tennis, winter sports (champion ski jumper and speed skater) and track (a champion pole-vaulter).
His civic and professional volunteerism complemented his parallel careers in music and manufacturing engineering. During an early stint with the Union Twist Drill Company in Athol, Mass., he and his clarinet led the Bob Chaplin Orchestra, playing at fairgrounds, colleges and dance halls during the era of Big Bands and Swing.
When war came Bob joined the U.S. Navy. He taught at the Great Lakes Machine Shop prior to his sea duty in the Pacific theater.
After the war, Bob continued his education at the New England Conservatory of Music. He taught Band at Webster Junior High School and Edward Little, both in Auburn, before being called back for Korea. After his marriage to Mary Knights and the beginning of their family, he relocated to Portland.
After retiring Bob began a business where he consulted on methodology, tool geometry standardization and design, diagnosing production problems as well as developing a metal removal technology course. He believed there was no better way to resolve manufacturing problems than through technical education.
Bob’s love for music involved him with the First Congregational Church as Choir Director after he and his family moved to New Gloucester.
Bob served as Chairman of the New Gloucester Planning Board and later on the Town’s Growth Committee, as he was deeply committed to water quality issues.
Bob and Mary enjoyed summers on Little Sebago Lake with their three children and, later, grandchildren.
Mr. Chaplin is predeceased by his parents, and all his brothers: Harold, Clifford H. Chaplin, Jr., Everett, Russell, Dana and Charles.
Survivors include his wife Mary of New Gloucester; son John and his wife Louise Chaplin, also of New Gloucester; daughter Martha and her husband Michael Frink of Newcastle; daughter Nancy and her husband Dennis Connolly of Gorham; grandchildren Leah Stetson, Tad Stetson, Glenn Connolly, Robert Connolly, Owen Chaplin, Margaret Chaplin and Julian Frink.
Bob, a 32nd degree Mason, will be greatly missed by his nephews and nieces, neighbors and a special community that included many friends and musicians.
Service celebrating his life 2 p.m., Sat., March 15 at the First Congregational Church in New Gloucester.
Gifts in his memory may be made to the New Gloucester Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 82, New Gloucester, ME 04260.
Arrangements by Plummer and Merrill of Auburn.
