Robert Roy Lemay

Robert R. Lemay, 74, of Rochester, died at his home on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, following a brief illness. Robert was born January 10, 1948, in Rochester, New Hampshire, one of five children born to Louis and Pauline (Knowlton) Lemay. He grew up in Somersworth and attended local schools, graduating from Somersworth High School in 1966. Following graduation, he proudly served his country during Vietnam in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his enlistment he returned to NH, and in 1972 married Barbara Jo Gledhill. Together they raised three children and shared fifty wonderful years of marriage. These past twelve years ushered in his four grandchildren, making his life complete. Bob was employed for 25 years at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Upon his civil service retirement, he continued working for almost 25 more years doing electrical and maintenance work for several places including UNH and most recently for the City of Somersworth, where he was known affectionately as “Downtown Bob” on social media. Bob loved being with precious family and friends, and as the official pack leader his family, he was in charge of creating core memories for all of his wife, children and grandkids. During his lifetime he had many outdoor hobbies too: Hunting, fishing, boating, camping and riding motorcycles. In their later years, Bob and Barbara enjoyed spending many winters escaping the cold at their home in Florida. Bob was a devout Christian and put his faith first and foremost in everything he did. One of his most memorable experiences was a pilgrimage to Israel to visit the Holy Land and see many of the places in the Bible. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, (Pépè)re, brother, uncle and friend. He worked hard his entire life and took pride in leading and providing for his family. He served as a shining example of what it means to be “the greatest of all time,” and the world is a better place today because Bob was in it. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Bob was predeceased by his parents and by two siblings, Louis Lemay, Jr. and Judith Johnson. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Barbara Lemay of Rochester; three children, Denise Burnham and her husband James of New York City, Michael Lemay of Rochester and Michelle Guillemette and her husband Matt of Sanford; four grandchildren, Eli and Zoe Burnham of New York City and Matthew Jr. and Anna Guillemette of Sanford; two siblings, Larry Lemay of Somersworth, NH and Nancy Downs and her husband John of Gonic, NH and many nieces and nephews. An outdoor, graveside service with Marine Corps Funeral Honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 20th at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery located at 83 Stanley Road in Springvale, ME. Dress warm. A reception with refreshments will immediately follow at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street Springvale, ME. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution in lieu of gifts or flowers, to Food for the Poor by clicking the link below. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.