Robert Y. Vachon

Robert “Bobby” Y. Vachon, 83, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Bob was born on October 3, 1942, to Albert and Yvonne (Pare) Vachon in Sanford, where he was a lifelong resident. He attended local schools, including St. Ignatius School and Sanford High School.

In 1960, Bob proudly joined the United States Navy and served his country for three years, until 1963.

On October 1, 1977, he married the love of his life, Cheryl A. Stanley, with whom he shared nearly 49 wonderful years of marriage.

Following his military service, Bob worked as a millwright for New Hampshire Local and at several other places before settling into work as a gravedigger at St. Ignatius Cemetery. He spent the remainder of his career as a local groundskeeper at Riverside Cemetery, a job he took great pride in.

Bob was a member of the Sanford Elks for 21 years and a Lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He especially enjoyed getting together at The Elks with his “Cyro boys,” friends he made while working at Cyro.

Travel was one of his favorite things to do. He and Cheryl spent nearly 17 years wintering in Key Largo in the Florida Keys. Together, they also traveled to Aruba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

Other interests were riding and digging with his tractor, welding, or chopping wood. He also had a great appetite and truly loved to eat. He was always up for a donut or a piece of pie, especially strawberry-rhubarb pie. Bob was also well known for riding around town in his beloved 1979 Jeep CJ5.

Bobby will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, sweet, loving, patient, and thoughtful man. He leaves behind countless memories filled with love, laughter, and the many simple moments that made him so special to those who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Yvonne Vachon; two brothers, Arthur and Paul Vachon; two sisters, Pauline Carrier and Yolande Payeur; and his great-granddaughter, Daelynn.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Cheryl Vachon of Springvale; his children, Dori Lynn Brooks and her husband, Ernest, of Sanford, Michelle Gauthier and her husband, Norman, of Acton, Norman Roy and his wife, Kelly, of Gray, and Robert A. Vachon and his wife, Lyndsay, of Springvale; his grandchildren, Jennifer Gillette and her husband, John, Dustin Cote, John Pinette and his wife, Randi, Alison Gauthier, Abigail Roy, Andrew Roy, Skyler Small, Olivia Small, and Evan Vachon; his great-grandchildren, John, Noah, Evelynn, Ben, Zander, Lydia, and Fallon; his mother-in-law, Marguerite Stanley of Springvale; and his sister-in-law, Doris Vachon.

Bob will be interred with military honors at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.

Bob had a full and wonderful life, he will be missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local pet rescue of your choice in Bob’s name.