Robert E. Bob Martineau, 83, a lifelong resident of Keene, died on Monday, February 22, 2016, at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene. He passed peacefully after a brief period of declining health.
Robert was born the son of the late Christine E. (Blood) and Edward A. Martineau, on February 16, 1933, in Keene. He was educated locally and attended Keene schools.
On June 15, 1951, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served his country state side as a Clerk-Typist. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Award and was honorably discharged on November 24, 1953, at the rank of A/2C.
Bob married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Joanne L. Nadeau, on October 24, 1953, at St. Bernards Church in Keene. Sadly, Joanne passed on June 28, 2014, after sixty happy years of marriage.
Bob worked at Kingsburys in Keene for thirty eight years as a machinist, programmer and sub-contractor. He retired in 1993, to enjoy life with family and friends and many happy days of his favorite pastime, golf.
In addition to playing golf, Bob enjoyed playing pitch with the guys at the American Legion, fishing, hunting, playing pool, bocce ball and softball. He was a member of the Keene Softball League and pitched his High Street Market teammates to a state championship in 1969. He also played for Kingsbury and in the over 40 league. A highlight for Bob after his retirement was card game weekends with his wife and two adult children. These weekends were filled with much laughter and friendly competition. Bob was a long-time member of the American Legion and Elks Club in Keene.
Mr. Martineau is survived by his children and their spouses: son, Steven R. Martineau and his wife Lynn D. Twiss of Putney, VT; and daughter, Kathi A. Faulkner and her husband Timothy L of Cuttingsville, VT. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Martineau and his wife Roberta Dee Dee of Keene, sisters-in-law, Pauline Martineau and Millicent Martineau, also of Keene, as well as four grandchildren: Derek Masten and his wife, Lauren, Matthew Martineau, Meghan Faulkner and Brady Faulkner. In addition, he leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Bob was pre-deceased by his siblings, Ralph Martineau and Arnold Martineau.
In keeping with Bobs wishes there will be no calling hours. A celebration of life, with a Liturgy of the Word, will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 11am. in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place at a later date. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Robert E. Martineau to: American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX. 75231 or to: CHAD (Childrens Hospital at Dartmouth) by making check out to “Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health/CHaD and mail to D-HH/Geisel Office of Development, One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070. Lebanon, NH 03756-0001. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
