Robert K Mitton
September 2, 1937 ~ December 3, 2020
Resided in:
South Portland, ME
South Portland- Robert (Bob) K.W. Mitton Sr, 83, of 148 Breakwater Drive and formerly of lvie Rd. Cape Elizabeth passed away from natural causes under thoughtful care at Maine Medical Center. He has ascended to Heaven on this clear sunny & unseasonably warm day of December 3, 2020.
Born in Portland, Maine and kindly raised by Walter Baker formerly of Cedar Street Portland. He was a proud graduate of Portland H.S. class of 1955. After which he entered the US Air-force and honorably served 4 years. He then attended Hansen's barbering program in Lewiston, Maine. Subsequently opening his own barbershop in 1959 in the Old Port. He was proud to be a very reliable, reasonable priced & friendly barber with a old school style card house out back. He and his barbershop, Bob's Barbershop became an iconic business operating for nearly 50 years 6 days a week. He was always ready with a joke or other bit to lift spirts and lighten things up. Love, laughter, faith and family was his style. He often said in retirement he missed all his loyal customers and friends and he told many stories fondly.
Dad was faithful in the Catholic religion and regularly attended weekly masses at Holy Cross church in South Portland, further he was a proud lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and earned the 4th degree level. Dad was also a member of the American legion post 17 in Portland. Dad was a true New England sports fan and loved going to see the Red Sox's play at Fenway Park. He enjoyed living at The Breakwater in South Portland, having many friendly and dear neighbors. He and our mother Ann, enjoyed having a glass of wine out in the courtyard and visiting with their neighbors and walking to Bug Light Park.
Dad enjoyed traveling having visited Alaska, parts of Europe, Hawaii & many of the Caribbean islands among many other destinations. He was particularly fond of visiting the beautiful Dutch island of Aruba where he returned 10 separate times over the years and was on a first name basis with many of the folks down there.
Bob is survived by his wife Ann C. Mitton of 62 years. Also by his 3 sons, daughter & their spouses, Bob Jr., Steve, Mike, & Susan who was by his side holding his hand and comforting him in the final moments of his life. Also survived by his dear sister Beverly Colbourn and family of Syracuse NY, the Fredrick family, numerous nieces & nephews Dad was blessed with 8 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren all of whom he loved dearly.
We love you Dad and you be missed greatly. Rest peacefully
Visiting hours will be held from 9:00-10:15AM on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited in the chapel at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Relatives and friends are respectfully requested to wear a mask.
Attendance limitations and social distancing practices will be in place to meet state mandates. For those who wish to attend remotely, Bob's Funeral Mass will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/conroytullywalker/
Memorial contributions made in Bob's memory can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Maine, 470 Forest Ave, Suite 302, Portland, ME 04101; or the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine, 277 Cumberland Avenue, P.O. Box 7830, Portland, ME 04112
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My father, Ellsworth Miller, a fisherman was one of Bob’s first customers. He continued to visit Bob’s until his death in 2002. I was fortunate to have been dragged along to Bob’s since I was a little kid. I watched my brother get his hair cut. My son tagged along with my father and was soon a regular at Bob’s (He loved the free donut holes!). Bob’s was a place like “Cheers” – everyone knew each other and there were the regulars in front and out back. His customers would do errands for Bob. I was so intrigued with Bob’s that I wrote a feature article for the Working Waterfront about Bob. It was great to have a chance to delve deep into Bob and the regulars who kept the chairs full. He treated everyone – no matter age or sex – the same. He was so proud of his wife and family. They were often the topic of the day – everyday. Bob loved to talk about his vacations and yes he was a hard worker putting in very long days 6 days a week. But he always had time to tell a joke or share a story. And he knew what was going on around the waterfront. On numerous occasions when trying to track down my father, I would stop in and ask Bob if he had seen him. 9 times out of 10 not only had he seen him but he knew his itinerary! And sometimes Bob would say, “I know Ellsworth’s coming back, because he left his packages here!” I am proud to have known Bob Mitton. He was the real deal!
– Donna Miller Damon
My condolences to the Mitton family. Bob was a wonderful man and getting a haircut at Bob’s was always a highlight for me and my father before me. The cast of characters in the shop and Bob’s great sense of humor was an ongoing show and a great treat for all of Bob’s customers. I would always have some great stories to tell back at work after a visit to Bob’s. He was one of a kind. John Knox
– John Knox
Bob gave many haircuts to my Dad Dick O’Donnell during his long lifetime.1913-2003. I would only hear about Dad going for a haircut at “Bob The Barber ” in a casual recounting of his day during our thrice weekly phone chats. However when he reached his late eighties and no longer drove I on occasion got the adventure. Never having been there I went in the door with him. I saw friendly Bob put an index finger to his lips. Still clueless I sat down with Dad and looked around the crowded shop and realized I was the only woman there. Next time he had a haircut I helped Dad to a chair and told him that I was going for a walk in the Old Port area. I think there was an almost inaudible sigh of relief from all his customers ( including Dad) when I closed the door behind me. Bob was always joking,cheerful and kind to my Dad and many others. He was a nice man & I am so sorry for the loss to his entire family. Elizabeth O’Donnell Carson
– Lisa Carson
Bob was my Dad’s barber for many years. When my Dad passed, I sat in Bob’s chair for the six years I worked in the Old Port. Bob convinced me once to go to Aruba. We talked allot about that. Bob was a wonderful, warmhearted and funny guy who taught me many jokes. I am sure that Dad was one of the first guys he met shaking his hand welcoming him to that great Barber shop in the sky. I will miss you Bob!
– Chris Owen
With loving memories of “Robert (Bob) Mitton Sr.”, Love Beverly , Lynn, Gale and Mary
– Beverly Colbourn
Bob had an infectious smile and warm personality. He always made us feel like part of the family as kids spending time at his house with daughter Sue.
– In deep sympathy, Chris & Amy
Bob was a beautiful soul and I will miss seeing him around Breakwater. He meant so much to so many. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. Ann, you were his angel. May you find comfort each day with the help of family and friends. Susan White
– Susan White
Bob was always the perfect gentleman who always provided the best haircut for myself, my son and my grandson. My grandson’s first many years ago. He and Ann were so very gracious when we visited them after their move to Breakwater. He will be missed. Keith Jones
– Keith Jones
Truly one of the best! His constant smile, quick wit and banter with his customers and friends was legendary. Most telling was his interest in the lives of all that sat in his chair. How is your dad? How is your brother? How is your business? Not idle conversation, real interest and empathy for everyone. As a long time customer, I hoped there would be people ahead of me because it was a joy to sit and listen to the joy that this man gave to so many. God speed Bob Mitton. Your time here touched so many in such a positive way. Your are loved and thank you.
– John Milburn
I was a customer from around 1985 until Bob retired. I remember one Saturday I somehow left Bob’s shop without paying, and was halfway home before I realized what I had done. I immediately went back, and when I asked him why didn’t he stop me before leaving he simply said with a laugh “I knew you’d be back!” That was Bob. The best barber I ever had.
– Mark Love
Our deepest condolences to the Mitton family. Your dad was a gem. He will be missed. The Houle family of South Portland.
– David Houle
Bob was a very special man. Cut my hair for the 1st time when I was 6 years old, that was 40 years. I’ll never forget his kindness, humor and advice!
– Tony Zarate
Bob was always ready with a smile and a hearty greeting. And he kept a lot of Frederick boys looking well. We extend our sincerest sympathy to Ann and the family. You are all in our prayers. Peter and Nancy Frederick
– Peter and Nancy Frederick
Bob was a “One of a Kind” guy. A great family man, a good friend, and a fellow Knight of Columbus who also had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by many. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. May Bob Rest-in-Peace! Rick O’Donnell
– Rick O’Donnell
Going to Bob’s Barbershop was one of my favorite activities for over 20 years. Bob put me in a good mood every time I went in- he had an amazing positive attitude and the energy of a golden retriever puppy. His hours were 6:00am to 6:00pm six days per week but he would be there at 5:00am and if you stuck your head in at 5:55pm to see if he had time he would wave me in. Sometimes I’d walk in and there would be 8 people but only three of them where there for a haircut. The others were there for the entertainment. Bob greeted everyone warmly and took the time to get to know every customer. Even after 50 years he had the enthusiasm like someone who started his business two weeks ago. Bob inspired me and many others and taught us to be the best at what we do, show up early, be enthusiastic, make people laugh, and put others before yourself. I used to bring my yellow lab (Lincoln) in and one day he was chewing on a bone and lost a tooth- there was blood all over the floor and Bob just thought it was funny and didn’t make me feel bad at all. Another time there was a kid who talked incessantly and I looked up and Bob had paper in his ears to block the sound. There will never be another barbershop as good as Bob’s and there will never be another Bob Mitton in Portland but his legend will live on along with the gratitude and memories of his customers. I am grateful for his friendship and thankful for all the good times in there with Bob and the regulars .
– Brian Clement
When I was a young man, I worked on the Portland waterfront. Four generations of my family got their haircuts from Bob. Many fond memories Never to be forgotten. My condolences to the family. R.MacLean 111
– Ralph MacLean
I remember Bob’s friendly smile as he sat at the back of Holy Cross Church at 4:00 Mass. I was his physical therapist during a couple MMC stays in the past. Bob always clearly communicated his preferences and was kind and cooperative. I’m sorry for your loss and send my deep sympathy.
– Kathleen Potrepka
My dad was a great dad we had fun growing up a lot of day trips to Massachusetts and New Hampshire he worked very hard to give us fun life I will miss you Dad oxox
– Steve Mitton
Bob was a wonderful man! Loved going in to get my haircut at his place. Always a Joker, I’ll miss him. Rest in Peace, Bob
– James E Anderschat
I’m very sad to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. His legendary work ethic, jokes, stories and kindness won’t be forgotten. My condolences to Aunt Ann and the family.
– Jim Frederick
The Prince family sends our deepest sympathy to Ann and all the Mitton family. May loving memories dwell in your hearts. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this most sorrowful time. Fondly, Gail and Ted Prince
– Gail M Prince
Dear Ann, I was saddened to read of Bob’s passing. He was always such a nice person. As I read the obit. my mind quickly moved to the memories I have of you, Bob and your children. We were so fortunate to have you as neighbors all those those years. I know that Mom and Dad felt the same as I do. I’m sure he will be missed by many. I hope that you are well. I am living in Auburn now, and I still miss my mother and father very much. With sincere condolences, Sharon Benoit
– Sharon Benoit
Condolences to his family