Robert J. Allaire

Robert "Popsie" Allaire, 86, of Sanford, passed away on Thursday March 10, 2011 at the Newton Center in Sanford. He was born in Sanford on December 28, 1924, a son of the late Amadee and Annie (Buchanan) Allaire. He was the middle child from a family of 13. He lived in Sanford all his life except for the six years he served in the United States Air Force.He enlisted as a teenager after Japans attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. He was stationed in New York, and served 30 missions on the B-24 Liberator, as a waist gunner and radio controller during WWII, which took him all over Berlin and points of Germany where he saw a lot of action.After the war he worked nights for 27 1/2 years at "Adams" Auclair Trucking as a dock men, during which he also worked days or weekends helping keep the Sanford Country Club Golf Course well groomed. He enjoyed the challenge of playing golf. He also loved to play tennis in his younger days and played 4 to 5 days a week until he suffered a stroke at the start of 2008.When he retired from Auclair Trucking in 1980, he had other jobs but the job he especially liked was bartending which he did for 14 years at the Knights of Columbus Social Club in Sanford where he made many lasting friends.He married the love of his life, Lucille (Brine) with whom both of them shared a very special love together and with their two children, Steven and Debbie. They enjoyed going dancing every Saturday night at the Rockingham Ball Room or on the pier at Old Orchard Beach. Popsie also was an avid card player which he enjoyed with his wife.He was a great provider, wonderful husband and father. He was a special father being an equal partner with his wife, giving their attention to Steven who especially in his younger years needed more guidance because he was born slightly handicapped and attended special schools in Sanford. Steven had such devoted attention from his parents that he went on to a Vocational school in Saco and soon thereafter was able to get a job at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he was employed for 30+ years until the time of his death in 2010. Everything Popsie did he did with a good heart. He was known to be of quick wit with his one liners that kept everyone laughing. Through the last 2 years after his stroke, he still remained the best natured man around with a wonderful smile and disposition and who was well loved by all. He was an all around good man who was always willing to help his neighbors especially the elderly, taking them shopping or to a doctor's appointment.He was a lifelong blood donor whose contributions exceeded that of 10 gallons. He was a lifetime member of the Amvets Post #3, the American Legion T.W. Cole Post #19, the Elks Lodge, The Lafayette Club, The V.F.W. Post#9935, The Wolves Social Club and a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. For many years he was a cook for the Waban Telethon breakfasts and worked for the Tootsie Roll Drive.He is predeceased by his wife, Lucille Allaire and son Steven Allaire.He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Allaire of Sanford, two sisters, Stella Dion of Sanford, Lillian Perron of Sanford, two brothers, Andrew Allaire of Somersworth, NH, Larry Allaire of Montgomery, AL, sister in law, Carmen Boutin of Biddeford and many nieces and nephews.The family would like to thank the staff at the Newton Center for the wonderful care Popsie received during his 2 1/2 years stay at the nursing home.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 15th at 11AM at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Committal Prayers will be recited following the mass at the St. Ignatius Cemetery Chapel.Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to the Newton Center Activities Fun, 35 July Street, Sanford, Maine 04073.To leave the family a message of condolence, please use the condolence tab to the left.