Robert E. Lander

Abbot and North Port, FL - Robert E. Lander, 91, passed away at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 23, 2024. He was born in Guilford, Maine on May 1, 1932, the eldest son of Merwin and Viola (Conner) Lander. Bob married Joyce Berry on June 26, 1949, and they made their home in Monson for many years. He worked for the family business hauling milk before becoming the Town Manager of Monson and later the Public Works Director in both Dover-Foxcroft and Millinocket. He was a graduate of Monson Academy, Class of 1957, though he also considered the Piscataquis Community High School, Class of 1951 members as his classmates. He was a member of the Monson Fire Dept. for many years. In their retirement Bob and Joyce became 'snowbirds' making their home on Piper Pond in Abbot and in Harbor Isles in North Port, Florida. They were able to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada, but his favorite place to be was in Piscataquis County, usually with a rake or shovel in his hand! In his 30 years in Harbor Isles he enjoyed playing bocce, riding his bike around the park and devouring the wonderful cookies left on his doorsteps.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce and three sons, Greg (Janie) of Guilford, Scott (Debbie) of Dover-Foxcroft, and Dayne (Lorna) of Abbot. He was 'Bamp' to his three grandchildren, Scott Jr. (Wendy) of Dover-Foxcroft, Stephanie (Troy) Higgins of East Rochester, NH, and Dustin (Kristen) Lander of Guilford. He adored his three great-grandchildren, Michaela and Jacob Higgins, and Chase Lander. He is survived by two brothers, Donald (Nancy) of Harrisburg, PA and Roderick (Carmen) of Guilford, as well as a special cousins, Bev Moulton of Guilford and Jean MacLauchlan of CT/FL; sister-in-law, Connie Lander of Fort Myers FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, William, Joyce Huff, and Janice Grant and his beloved grandson, Joshua Robert.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Joshua R. Lander Memorial Fund in care of Foxcroft Academy, 975 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft Maine 04426. Services for family will be private with burial in the Hillside Cemetery, Monson. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.