Robert J. McCormack

Robert J. Black McCormack, 75, of Saco, Maine, passed from this life peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough on Sunday January 19th, 2025. He was born on March 15, 1949 in Boston, Mass, the son of Robert P and Mary A. (Black) McCormack.

Bob grew up in Allston and Newton Ma. He attended Eli Whitney Elementary, St. Columbkille’s School, Faday Jr High School, and graduated from Newton North High School on June 5, 1968.

Robert dedicated his life to the field of Law Enforcement. In his early career he worked for Metropolitan Security Services for five years, before relocating to Maine in 1982 when he was hired by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department. Over his 32-year career he served in deputy patrol, transportation services and corrections divisions. He was especially proud of his time spent on the ‘transport team’. Bob was often admired by his peers for the way he treated each person in his care with respect and dignity. He was celebrated with numerous awards for lifesaving and deputy of the month during his career. He retired on April 24, 2014.

Bob cherished his close ties to his mother, Mary Black Kibbee, who passed away in 2015 at age 91 and his beloved sister Joan, who passed away in 2017. Prior to their passing, Bob joined Joan and Mary every evening for years, at "Mom's”, to enjoy a drink, discuss the day's events and the news and to share supper together. Bob appreciated his mother’s beautifully set table, her love of cooking a family meal, and mostly her company. Because of his mother’s career in Real Estate, Bob became a longtime landlord in Portland. He was a dedicated and caring landlord.

Bob was a faithful member of St Peter Parish in Portland. He was seen every Sunday morning as a welcoming face with a smile as he served as an usher for Mass. Bob’s kindness was evidenced by his willingness to assist in any task that helped out another parish member. He loved the annual job of delivering Poinsettias at Christmas and Lilies at Easter. His presence at the annual Bazaar was enormous! He gave his energy and good nature to this event each year, from long before it began until the last cookie was served!

Bob was an active member of the Police Emerald Society, most recently serving as treasurer of the Maine Chapter. He volunteered annually at the Golf Tournament and coordinated t-shirt sales as an ongoing fundraiser, making sure each shirt was neatly folded and organized by year! He was instrumental in coordinating the sponsorship with the Wreaths Across America for the Emerald Society.

Bob could often be found enjoying time at the Italian Heritage Center where he was a member for many years. He could be seen in his famous "Bob Hat" serving meals during the annual Christmas Fair, shoveling a walkway when needed, and volunteering at many events throughout the years. He made numerous lifelong friends there!

Bob worked diligently to raise funds for Concerns of Police Survivors and served in board positions through the years. He attended Police week In Washington DC annually, to meet with the families of Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty. His heart was always full when he could give rides to the children on his motorcycle and honor the lives of those lost.

Anyone who knew Bob, knew how much he loved Motorcycles and how incredibly proud he was to be a member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Bob travelled extensively on his motorcycle attending Conventions, Conferences, social events and fundraising events with his longtime travel companion and dear friend Dawn Hackett. Bob left a positive impression on everyone he met out on the road. He was the embodiment of the Club moto: Ride With Pride! Bob will continue to Ride with Pride in Heaven I.

Robert is survived by a brother, David and his wife Laura, a sister Paula and her husband Jay. Special thanks to Bob’s cousin Jim Powers for visiting Bob at Gosnell House, it meant the world to him. Bob was blessed with many friends who became his family! He truly considered himself so lucky to share the joys of life with all of them. While at Maine Medical Center and Gosnell Hospice House for 26 days, Bob was constantly surrounded by his family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation - Monday, Jan 27, 3PM - 6PM, followed by a reception from 6 - 7 PM; Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, ME. A Celebration of Mass- Tuesday, Jan 28, 10 AM at St Peter Parish, 72 Federal St., Portland, ME. Celebration of Life Luncheon - following Mass at Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., Portland, ME.