Robert I. Hardison, 84, beloved husband of Carolyn Shaw Hardison from Wells, Maine passed away on September 17, 2026 surrounded by family. He was born July 20, 1942, in Caribou, Maine, the son of Waldo and Phyllis Hardison. He grew up in Caribou, Maine with his mother, father, and sister. He graduated from Caribou High School, class of 1960, followed by University of Maine in Orono, Maine, class of 1964, earning a degree in Engineering. He started his career at Buffalo Pumps, later moving to Goulds Pumps in Seneca Falls, New York where Robert and Carolyn raised their children, Bryan and Kathy, for 15 years. He furthered his career in Sanford, Maine where he and Carolyn opened Atlantic Pump and Engineering in 1991.
Robert married Carolyn on June 20, 1964. Robert’s true calling was his devotion to his family and his community efforts. He began his community involvement with Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, serving as Chapter President. He devoted his time, energy, and efforts to the New York State Jaycees, United Way, and Rotary. Moving through the years, he continued his community efforts through Sanford Industrial Development Corp, Sanford Planning Board, Sandford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce, York Country Technical College Board of Directors, Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, serving as a founding member, and continued his Rotary service. He fulfilled his love for sports by serving on the Board of Sanford Mainers and fulfilled his faith, serving on the Board of Trustees of North Parish Church. His true passion was fulfilled through his service of 30 years to Maine Health where he began on the Board of Trustees of Goodall Hospital in 1995, continuing by serving the Cancer Care Center of York County Board of Directors, and then Maine Medical Center Board of Directors through 2025.
Robert was not only passionate about his family and stewardship, but for his love of fishing where he often traveled back to Madawaska Lake. His legacy will remain in the organizations he served, in his roots of Aroostook County, and through his family.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn of 62 years, son Bryan R. Hardison and wife Andrea of Orono, ME, daughter Kathryn H. Coppi and husband Todd of Hudson, NH, followed by 3 granddaughters, Elizabeth H. Bartlett and husband Dakota of Bangor, ME, Isabella M. Coppi of Hudson, NH, and Emma J. Coppi of Hudson, NH. A sister, Barbara Hardison of Auburn, Maine and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 4th, 1:30 PM at North Parish Congregational Church, 895 Main St, Sanford, Maine.
Services
Memorial Service: Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:30 pm
North Parish Congregational United Church of Christ
895 Main Street
Sanford, Maine 04073
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2026-10-04 13:30:00
2026-10-04 13:30:00
Robert I.HardisonMemorial Service
Memorial Service
895 Main Street,Sanford, Maine 04073
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I had the pleasure of working with Bob on multiple endeavors. His no nonsense approach to achieving the end goal was always efficient and with attention to detail. If you were not on your game he didn’t hesitate to remind you, keeping everyone on task. A true professional who was very generous with his valuable time. The guy from “The County” will be missed by many.
My deepest sympathy to Carolyn and family. The time spent with Bob, both in Rotary Club and on the former Goodall Hospital Board of Trustees, left an impression of dedication and a sense of a great responsibility to his fellow man. At the same time there was always an undertone of great wit. A true gentleman has left us.
Carolyn. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers
Glenn and Denise
I knew Bob well through his visits to our lodge in northern Maine for fishing trips. I always thought of him as a very good listener, whatever you said actually went in there, got digested, and usually a forward thinking comment would come back from him. Always ready to smile. I knew he was happy just spending days in a boat fishing with Bryan and their friend Todd. I will miss Bob.
Our sincere condolences from the Goodall Hospital family.
My condolences to Carolyn and family. Bob was a member of the Executive Committee of Goodall while I was CEO. His support, friendship and dedication were without question. Underneath that big and sometimes loud exterior was a real softie. I always think of Bob and Carolyn with fondness.
Bob was a highly respected, capable and skillful leader. He was the General Manager of Goulds Pumps’ largest and most important operation in Seneca Falls, NY. He was an important and significant legend in the history of Goulds Pumps and leaves a legendary legacy.
Bob will be remembered for his leadership, industry knowledge and accomplishments. He will be missed.
I always enjoyed my relationship with Bob. His sense of humor shined through and helped us all deal with the earnestness of business. And of course he was smart and hardworking. I loved being teased by Bob along with the serious effort. He was a generational leader for our time at Goulds Pumps.
He will be missed, but always appreciated, respected, and held in highest esteem by all of us.
Rick Steber.
Bob hired me in the fall of 1996 at Atlantic Pump & Engineering, at the time I was getting done working as an engineer on tug boats. I did not realize that this opportunity would turn into a 30 year career in the pump industry. I learned so much from Bob over my time with him, not just about pumps but more about business and leadership. I really appreciate what he did for me. Condolences to Carolyn, Bryan, & Kathy
A wonderful parishioner who cared deeply for his North Parish church! He will be missed but we will always rember him! ❤️‼️
Bob has been a wonderful supporter of our community in many ways, and was proud to be a part of Sanford-Springvale.
I will always remember fondly, the Projects that Bob and I worked on together in Rotary, The Chamber and more.
Carolyn, I am thinking of you, and your family. ❤️