Robert Gulliver Dubis

A well-loved and long-time member of the Chatham community passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Born on December 25,1932, Bob Dubis was a Christmas baby. As the final Dubis brother to join the family, when he was born his mother refused to go to the hospital until everything was ready for his two older brothers (now deceased) Joseph Walter (Eva) and Frank Braizilla (Margaret). Born at Cape Cod hospital, Bob was raised in Chatham and graduated from Chatham High School in 1951. He was the son of Joseph Walter Dubis and Elizabeth Royce (Robbins) Dubis. His middle name Gulliver came from the name of the doctor who saved his father’s eyes in the collapse of the NY City Tunnel excavation. He is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Claire Ellen (Macy) Dubis, who he met at the Chatham Lighthouse on spring break. Together they have two children Robin Ellen (Dubis) Zibrat (Mark) and Eugene Walter Dubis (Pamela), and four grandchildren Robert Charles Dubis (Anne), Jennifer Ellen (Zibrat) Haffner (Hellmut), Melissa Gail (Dubis) O’Leary (Sean), and Jacqueline Macy Zibrat-Long (Jonathan). His legacy also continues through nine much loved great grandchildren who brought incredible joy to his life, Isabelle, Owen, Gavin, Carter, Ryder, Benjamin, Hadley, Dillon, and Christian. He also has several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his dear friend and companion Helen Weishaar.

After graduating from Chatham High School Bob enlisted in the United States Airforce and was stationed in Texas. He worked in an engineering unit supporting Aircraft Maintenance. He later went to work for his family’s business. A self-made business owner and entrepreneur he owned and operated J. W. Dubis and Sons, Inc. a construction and excavation Company. The business was started by his father Joseph as a building block company which Bob and his brothers later grew into a much larger contractor working cape wide.

A lover of the seashore, Bob grew up enjoying fishing and shell fishing, a passion he shared with his son and son-in law. The three could frequently be found eeling on Oyster Pond, flounder fishing off the Old Harbor Station and cod fishing off Bearse’s Shoals. Later he and his grandson enjoyed trips to Canada fishing for salmon.

He had a true spirit for adventure and travel. Later in his life, he learned to fly at Chatham Municipal Airport and even once flew a 747 when travelling from Japan. He also was a scuba diver and enjoyed stone crabbing in the Keys with his good friend James Eldredge. He brought his children and grandchildren to learn how to ski and as the family began to hit the slopes more and more, he was often found catapulting down the slopes with his grandchildren. Bob and Claire took many trips around the world from Europe to China and South America. Closer to home, they enjoyed summer adventures at their family’s camp on North Beach and winter cottage in Tamworth, NH.

Bob was an involved member of the community at large and an active contributor. He was past Master of St Martins Masonic lodge in Chatham. A member of St Martins Club, Pleiades Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and Orleans Rainbow board member as well as a member of Chatham Methodist Church. As a great conversationalist, he was heavily involved in the town and community and could frequently be found raising his hand at town meeting and engaging in local politics. He served on many boards, was interested in real estate, investing in small business ventures, and startup companies.

An avid golfer and long-time member of Eastward Ho! he served on the Board of Governors and on the Safety Committee. Bob loved to play golf and won many tournaments. He and his wife also enjoyed playing golf in their home in Naples Florida where he was a member of Glen Eagle Golf. He was an avid Bridge and card player and could be found in many circles of family, friends and community enjoying a good hand of cards.

The family would like to thank Broad Reach Victorian Assisted living and Liberty Commons for their tender care and attention over the past 6 years. They kept our father safe and healthy within a family environment. We would also like to thank the United States Veterans for the blind who provided additional support to our father as he lost his sight.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 11:00 at the Chatham Methodist Church, 569 Main Street, Chatham, MA. Followed by a graveside Masonic service and Military Honors at Peoples Cemetery.

Donation in his honor may be made to Brooks Library VITAL (Vision Impaired Technology Assistance) Friends of Brooks Free Library, P.O. Box 1456, Harwich, MA. 02645 or to the Chatham Fire Association, 135 Depot Street, Chatham, MA.