Robert J. Allison Sr.

SPRINGVALE — ] Robert J. (Bob) Allison, Sr., 66, of Springvale, has gone home to be with the Lord and has been reunited with his parents on March 24, 2011.

He was the adopted son of Ernest C. and Dorothy (Hanson) Allison.

Bob was born on July 24, 1944, in Newburyport, Mass., and was placed in the Home for Little Wanderers until, at the age of 11 months, Bob captured the hearts of his parents with his smile. When he was just a young boy, he met another boy who was feeling sad as he had been given up for adoption. Bob told him how special they both were because they were chosen by their families!

Bob graduated from Barrington High School and Barrington College (which is now known as Gordon College) in Barrington, R.I. After college, he served his country in the United States Army, proudly serving as a Military Police Officer during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned to further his education and graduated from the University of Maine, where he earned his Master's degree.

Mr. Allison began a long and successful career in education, which included being a guidance counselor at Riverview School in East Sandwich, Mass., the Harbor School in Newburyport, Mass., and Nute High School in Farmington, N.H. Bob also worked as a rural letter carrier in Alfred before he became ill and had to stop working fulltime.

On Sept. 1, 1973, he married his wife, Rita, at the Pleasant Street Free Baptist Church in Springvale. He met Rita when she was 16 years of age at the Acton Milton Mills Baptist Church. He was very shy and after two years she finally asked him to attend a Sweetheart Valentines party. On that first date, she knew he was the one she was going to marry, even though he didn't know it at the time. Their first kiss was a "shocking experience" due to static electricity. It was a kiss they would remember and chuckle about all their married life. Also, being an only child, you can imagine his thoughts he had when he learned a month before the wedding that his wife was from a family of 13 and he became an instant brother-in-law to 12 and instant uncle to many children. He knew of the two younger brothers and sister she had, but 10 more that he had yet to meet? It was overwhelming for him!

He served on the planning board for the building of the Carl Lamb School and was also on the board of directors for the Sanford-Springvale Youth Athletic Association for over 20 years. He was always interested in kids and coached a couple of teams while his sons played. When their teams lost and the boys were feeling bad, he would ask, "Did you have fun?" Bobs motto was, it didn't matter if you won or lost [--] the most important part of the game was having fun and encouraging your teammates. Even after his sons stopped playing sports, Bob continued to serve on the board of directors. He took a great interest in the SSYAA because he knew first-hand how important it was for the kids in the community. He continued to follow the sport careers of the young people who went through the program. As they played for the local high school and later during their college years, Bob kept track of their accomplishments.

Bob loved to watch baseball and his idol was the great Ted Williams of the Red Sox. He would follow the Boston Celtics faithfully and other sporting events that would change with the seasons. Being knowledgeable about sports and the players, he was excited to talk with his father about memorable plays, the change in coaches and who was being traded in the off season.

Bob was a devoted husband and great father to his sons, taking an interest in everything they did. Bob was well liked by many and was never too busy to lend an ear or helping hand if he could. He enjoyed helping out at the snack shack at Veteran's Park, taking orders for food and in between times watching the games. He loved the interaction with the "customers." This was the highlight of his life after the long months of winter. He was looking forward to volunteering this spring, but his health continued to decline and he became more and more housebound.

He deeply enjoyed his friends who would call just to chat or visit to make his days a little brighter, especially his wife's best friend, "Dixie" Morin, who would keep him laughing at her jokes and antics. He looked forward to her visits or calls every day.

A special thank-you to the staff of the Newton Center for their care of Bob in 2009 when he was very ill and for their care of him on Wednesday, March 23. The big welcome when he arrived from the hospital meant so much to him. An equally special thanks goes to the Sanford-Springvale Fire Department and EMTs that came to help him when he needed it. To his home health nurse Amber, his occupational therapist, Stacy, and personal care attendant, Becky, and a big thank you to Maria Mee for all she did as well.

Robert was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Rita J. (Wallace) Allison, of Springvale; his sons, Robert J. Allison, Jr., and Ronald J. Allison, of Sanford; his Aunt Jane and Uncle Wesley Starling, of Manchester, Conn.; and several cousins.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, April 2, at 1 p.m. at the Crossroads United Methodist Church, 16 Grammar Road, in Sanford, with Pastor Rick Leach, officiating. You are invited to visit with the family, share your stories and memories from 11 a.m. until the hour of service. Refreshments will be served during the visitation.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newton Center, 35 July Street, Sanford, Maine 04073 or to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074 or the charity of your choice.

The Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak Street in Alfred, is respectfully handling arrangements.