Robert “Bob” Sturgis, 81, a long-time resident of Harrisville, NH, and formerly of Keene, NH, died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 21, 2017.
He was born the son of the late Esther (Butman) and John Sturgis on October 29, 1935 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1953.
He then enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 8, 1954 and was honorably discharged with the rank of SP3-E3 on October 5, 1956.
Bob married Lorae Boisvert in 1959. They were married for twenty-seven years.
He then continued his education, earning an Associates Degree in Engineering from New Hampshire Technical College.
Bob worked at MPB in Keene for thirty-five years, retiring in 2001.
On January 17, 1987 he exchanged vows with Carolyn J. Anders in Zephyrhills, FL. with close family and friends in attendance. They were married for thirty years.
He enjoyed canoeing, snowmobiling, golfing, hunting and hiking. In February you could find him emptying buckets and boiling sap for maple syrup. He also liked to work with his hands. He could often be found making various projects from wood. Bob was community spirited. He served on the Harrisville Conservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Boards. He was also involved with the Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP), which falls under the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. In 2013, Bob was chosen as Harrisville’s “Citizen of the Year”.
Mr. Sturgis is survived by his wife, Carolyn J. Sturgis of Harrisville. His children; Arron J. Sturgis and his wife Michele of Berwick, ME. and Arlon R. Sturgis and his wife Laurie of Altamont, NY., his children from a combined marriage; Lynda L. Howard of Watervliet, N.Y. and Pamela J. Kupersmith and her husband Kurt of Mobile, AL., his sister, Beverly Brunson and her husband Bob of Columbia, N.C. Bob also leaves five grandchildren; Ryan Sturgis, Leilani Sturgis, Helen Sturgis-Bright, Paul Sturgis-Bright and Johnny Kupersmith. In addition he leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, and his feline companion, Cyndy. Bob was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Mary Ruddell.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 1pm. in the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel. Bob loved the color red so as a tribute the family has asked that everyone wear something red in his honor. Flowers are acceptable, however, the family would appreciate donations be made in memory of Robert E. Sturgis to: Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd. Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
