Robert Francis “Bob” Doble Sr., of Yarmouth, died on March 17, 2012 at the age of 87 after a brief illness, surrounded by family.
Bob was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1925, and was raised by his mother H. Arline Miceli and grandmother Mabelle F. Doble in Lynnfield, Wakefield, and Melrose Massachusetts. He attended Melrose schools and graduated in June 1943 from Melrose High School, where he was a member of the hockey team.
Immediately after graduation Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army and trained at Fort Eustis, Virginia and Camp Stewart, Georgia before being assigned to Battery A, 1st Coast Artillery Battalion in Colon, Panama. He spent two years in Panama as a gun crewman and commander, supporting his battalion’s mission of manning the 50 caliber machine guns and 40 and 155 mm guns that were positioned above the Panama Canal to protect it from attack by enemy submarines. He was honorably discharged from the Army in February 1946, having attained the rank of Sergeant. In recognition of his service, Bob was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and American Theater Company Ribbon. Bob took great pride in the service to his country during World War II and he often mentioned the wonderful and lasting memories of the men with whom he served; later in life he became a member of American Legion Post 17 in Portland.
Returning to Massachusetts after the war, he worked at and eventually became assistant manager of Hill and Company – a soda fountain, news and general store in the Melrose Highlands – while attending Bentley School of Accounting and Finance (now Bentley College), from which he graduated in June 1949. During this time, Bob continued his volunteer work of delivering library books to the home-bound elderly in the community.
While working at Hill and Company, he was thrilled to purchase his first automobile, a brand new 1947 two-tone blue Chevrolet Club Coupe. His enjoyment of that vehicle sparked a lifelong interest in driving and learning about cars of all kinds; every one he owned was maintained in meticulous mechanical and cosmetic condition.
After graduating from Bentley, Bob worked for many years at the Eastern Company Department Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a buyer and manager of the phonograph record department. He then worked for Avis Rent a Car in Boston as an accountant, and was transferred to Portland where he started as chief accountant and eventually became manager of the local Avis office. The majority of Bob’s working life was spent with the State of Maine Bureau of Taxation, where he started as an Assistant Sales Tax Examiner in August 1967 and from where he retired as a Senior Revenue Agent in February 1990.
Bob always looked forward to spending time with his family, whether taking vacations, attending sporting events, graduations, talent shows, parties, reunions or neighborhood gatherings. One of his favorite sayings was that he was “rich with kids.” Another of Bob’s passions was gardening; he also coached many Farm League and Little League baseball teams and was an avid fan of both the Boston Bruins and Red Sox.
He is survived by his life partner of many years, Virginia H. Thurston of Yarmouth; former wife Dorothy A. Doble of Portland; six children: Robert F. Doble Jr. of Massachusetts, Brian L. Doble of Maryland, David J. Doble, John T. Doble, Suzanne M. Cardilli, and Mary-Jane Stephenson, all of Portland; son-in-law Mark Cardilli Sr. of Portland; six grandchildren: Kristopher R. Stephenson, Nicole L. Cook, Mark Cardilli Jr., Alexis J. Stephenson, and Chelsey M. Cardilli, all of Portland, and Jessica R. Landry of Texas; three great-grandchildren; members of the extended Thurston family including Ronald G. Thurston II, Deborah L. Thurston, Barbara J. Beckwith, and Susan F. MacDonald; and members of the extended LeVecque family including Marie A. Smith, Harold E. Smith, Kenneth LeVecque, Karen LeSiege, Andrew LeVecque, Deborah Knouse, Paula Jordan, James LeVecque, Daniel LeVecque, and Beth Hallen. Bob was predeceased by his step-father Anthony Miceli of Massachusetts, and former in-laws Anna and Louis Foley of Portland.
A private interment with military honors was held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, Massachusetts, and a celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at The Cedars in Portland for their compassion in caring for Bob.
Memorial donations may be made to: Maine Cancer Foundation 170 US Route One, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105 www.mainecancer.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME 04103.
Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Robert’s guestbook.
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