Robert Henry Memory, 85, of Boothbay Harbor, passed away peacefully on April 28 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 19, 1926 in Orange, N.J., the son of the late Nichol and Esther Penny Memory. He grew up in Millburn and was a graduate of Millburn High School, class of 1944. After high school he went on to attend college at the Stevens Institute of Technology before leaving school to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. While in the service he served aboard the Navy destroyer the USS Harlan R. Dickson, and was a plankowner of the crew.
After his time in the service, Bob married Lillian M. Memory and began his career with General Electric Credit Corporation, eventually settling in Fairfield, Conn. He resided there for 28 years. He and Lillian were married until she passed away in 1983.
In 1988 he retired from GECC after 39 years. He then made Boothbay Harbor, a place that was near and dear to his heart since childhood, his permanent home. There he met and married Ellen Smith on May 12, 1990.
Bob enjoyed many things but was most passionate about boating and sailing. He loved being on the water. He also had a green thumb and spent many hours tending both vegetable and flower gardens. He took great pleasure in watching the birds that frequented the numerous feeders around his home. Another favorite pastime was relaxing in front of a Red Sox or Patriots game.
Bob was very involved in his community. His work with the Chamber of Commerce soliciting support for the Windjammer Days fireworks gave him great satisfaction. His dedicated fundraising efforts as chairmen of the Fireworks Committee earned him the nickname “Sparky.” He served the town of Boothbay Harbor as Chairman of the Port Committee and as a member of the Budget and the Revision of Codes Committees. He was also a long time member of the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, where he served on the Diaconate and as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Lillian M. Memory; brother, Charles H. Memory; and sister, Carolyn M. Andrews
Survivors include his loving wife of 20 years, Ellen S. Memory of Boothbay Harbor; daughters, Katherine M. Thomson and husband Ronald of Hampden, Mass. and Susan Memory of Portland; stepdaughter, Kathleen Christensen and husband John of Brunswick; stepson, Thomas E. Smith of Flemington, N.J.; grandsons, Daniel Memory of Portland, Scott Thomson and wife Jen of Tolland, Conn. and Brad Smith of Neshanic, N.J.; granddaughters, Allison Monniere and husband Jason of South Burlington, Vt., Abbey Smith of Flemington, N.J., Keira Riccioni and husband Joseph of Lexington, Va. and Mel Christensen of Brunswick; great-grandchildren, Aurora and Joseph; many nieces and nephews; and dear cousins, the Shepard family.
Celebration of life 3 p.m., Tues., May 3 at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, 1 Eastern Ave., Boothbay Harbor with Dr. Rev. Sarah Foulger.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert Memory’s name may be made to the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, 1 Eastern Ave., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or the Fireworks Committee of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 356, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos, and tributes with the Memory family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
