Robert F. Stutzman

DOVER-FOXCROFT - Robert "Bobby" Francis Stutzman, husband of Janet, and son of Otto and Alice Stutzman, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida, from complications with a myriad of illnesses. He was born January 29, 1948, in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

He attended Sangerville schools and graduated from Piscataquis Community High School (his 50th class reunion is this year). He was a graduate of Eastern Maine Vocational Institute's business program. He then continued his studies in a pilot program at Husson College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS degree in Business. He worked as the produce manager in the Dover-Foxcroft Red and White (Hannaford Brothers) for 30 years. He was a past member of the Sangerville Fire Department, a member of the Dover-Foxcroft Charter Commission, a member of the Dover-Foxcroft Jaycees, an active Mason, and owner of Adventure Sports of Dover-Foxcroft. He was an accomplished musician and played with many area bands. (He was a four-year member of the high school band also). His proudest accomplishment however was as the original promoter of the now well-known Stutzman's Farm Stand, owned and operated by his brother, Sidney. Bobby had asked his Dad if he could take some squash to the County Fair to sell. His Dad did not think it would be a good business endeavor, but he consented. Bobby sold the squash! It was an effort for a young man - he needed transportation, he needed "equipment" and had to lug that squash around. He thought it out and decided it would be easier to sell squash roadside. He did, and made money. His Dad saw that, and voila, the farm stand was born - with Stutzman's potatoes being the original headline item! (Now you know the rest of the story, and furthermore, Bob hated squash!).

He has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of his grandsons, "Tino" and "Rico's" athletic participation over the years, attending their games and matches, their musical concerts, and transporting them to countless events, including working in the hotdog stand. Bob and Janet had traveled to Florida for their annual visit with Jim and Eileen Goulette. They, with Janet and Bob's daughter Angela, and her sons, were with him during his extensive stay in the ICU at Tampa General. After his passing, Janet, his friends, and Angela, her husband, Luis, and their sons, Tino and Rico, released balloons into the blue Florida sky with notes of love and memories to be carried with Bob's soul upward and onward.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; brother, Richard and wife, Gail; brother, Sidney and wife, Rainie; a daughter, Angela and husband, Luis; and grandsons, Antonio (Tino) and Enrico (Rico); a son, Karl; and granddaughters, Bree Elle, Olivia and Natalie; numerous nieces and nephews; and his cat, "Sadie". He was predeceased by his parents; a grand-niece, Aliza; and a great-cat, "Simon".

Donations may be made to the Aliza Jean Family Cancer Foundation, c/o Bangor Savings Bank, PO Box 454, Skowhegan, ME 04976, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be conducted 11:00am Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, with a Celebration of Life immediately after at the American Legion Hall on Park Street, Dover-Foxcroft. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.