Robert Elton Fales, 82, of Damariscotta, passed away on Jan. 6 after his courageous battle with dementia. He was born in Wilton on Aug. 25, 1928. He was the second of five children born to Charles and Ethel Fales. He lived in Dryden until the age of 12, at which time his family moved to Fairfield in the interest of better work opportunities for Charles. Robert took an interest in raising chickens, which followed through to presenting prize-winning roosters at county fairs later in life. He would later tell his own children of his beloved Wilton and Fairfield memories including humorous stories of boys getting into mischief. Robert was voted president of his senior class at Lawrence High School in Fairfield and graduated in 1946.
Shortly after graduating, at the age of 17, Robert enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII, where he promptly found himself in boot camp on Parris Island, S.C. He quickly grew accustomed to this new life and excelled in the skills of marksmanship and discipline, taking full advantage of the mental and physical training. Finishing his tour of duty, Robert took advantage of the G.I. Bill and went to the University of Maine in Brunswick, but only to answer the call of duty again and enlist in the Army during the Korean War. Stationed in Eastern Europe as an O.S.S. agent (predecessor to the C.I.A.) he was quickly recognized for his potential and was offered a position in the C.I.A. After careful consideration, he made the choice to finish his college studies where he graduated from the University of Maine with a B.A. in political science in 1955. While at UMO, Robert met Patricia Parsons.
The two were married at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle on June 4, 1955. He and Patricia started their careers in Connecticut, with Robert hired on as a Plant Engineer with Southern New England Telephone, where he eventually became a District Manager of areas in central and southern Connecticut. They settled down in East Hampton in a beautiful old 1850 Greek Revival farmhouse up on a hilltop surrounded by stonewalls, fields, streams, and deep woods.
Life in East Hampton was busy. Robert pursued multiple interests in the community. He was Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop #8 for many years, and Committee Chair for the Boy Scouts of America where he made a strong, positive influence on many young men in the community. He was also President of the Chatham Historical Society and Treasurer of the Haddam Neck Fair, taking special pride in his award-winning White Rock Roosters. Bob was also active in town government as a member of the republican town committee for many years, serving in at least one elected position. He was on the conservation and wetlands commissions and was instrumental in building the Wopowog conservation showcase. He was also a member of the Lions club, where he contributed many weekends to the organization. Bob was an avid sportsman who enjoyed boating, hunting, and fishing with his family and friends. He was also a gifted carpenter, woodworker and boat builder, leaving many beautiful and lasting projects to remember him by. His vegetable garden beat all, providing both rewarding work and produce for the family.
Upon retirement, Bob and Patsy returned to Maine and built a home on the Damariscotta River. He continued to expand his skills by learning to restore and build canoes, turn wooden bowls, and add his carpentry handiness to projects around the property. There are numerous examples of his woodworking and furniture in the households of family and friends.
Robert is survived by his loving wife Patsy of 55 years; sons and their families, Dr. Robert E. Fales, wife Valerie and their two daughters, Zoe and Libby of Old Lyme, Conn., James P. Fales, wife Carmela and their dog Sammy of Nobleboro, Patrick A. Fales, wife Ellen and their four children, Spencer Daly, Grace, Gabrielle and Vivienne of East Hampton, Conn. and Neil E. Fales, wife Renee and their daughters, Heidi and Caroline of West Chesterfield, N.H.
Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Carpenter’s Boat Shop, 440 Old County Rd., Pemaquid, ME 04558 or to the Damariscotta River Association, PO Box 333, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
A memorial service will be held, and announced, in the spring.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
