Robert L. Luce, 60, of Union, died Jan. 2 at his home following a five year battle with cancer.
Born in Waldoboro, Nov. 21, 1948, he was the son of Richard E. and Alma Francis Luce. He attended Rockland schools.
A Vietnam War veteran, Bob served with the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1969. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds received in battle, and the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States.
Returning to this area, Bob worked first at the Samoset Resort and Marine Colloids. He also worked as a fisherman and for the Rockport Police Department. Moving to Union, Bob ran Maine’s Best Bottling Plant and for 15 years enjoyed working as a farmhand at Hawes Farm.
On Nov. 28, 1986, Bob married Katherine Bilodeau in Rockport.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycling. Being with family and friends, and also his beloved dogs, was especially important to Bob. He was a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks No. 1008, the Winslow-Merritt-Holbrook American Legion Post No. 1 of Rockland, and a Union Fair Trustee.
Bob was predeceased by a son, Toby James Luce, Nov. 26, 1975, and his father, Richard E. Luce in 2004.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kathy Luce of Union; two sons, Jason R. Luce, and Anthony J. Luce; step-daughter, Holly G. Bartlett; sister, Barbara Hannan and husband Max, all of Union; brother, Freddie Luce of North Fort Myers, Fla.; mother, Alma Francis Gray of Warren; step-mother, Phyllis Luce of Castro Valley, Cal.; two grandchildren, Jeffery Scholes, and Jiles Luce; two aunts, Nona Reed and husband Dick of Yarmouth, and Cynthia Hutchins and husband Clark of Ocala, Fla.; as well as nephews, cousins and friends.
Celebration of Bob’s life and visiting with family and friends, 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 8 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. Barry Norris and Ron Hawes will lead an informal time of remembrance during the evening. Bob requested casual attire. Interment with military honors 11 a.m., Fri., Jan. 9 at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.
Celebration of Bob’s life at the Union Fairgrounds will be announced in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.
