Robert Charles "Bob" Carson

1924 - 2016

Robert "Bob" Charles Carson, 91
PORTLAND - Robert "Bob" Charles Carson, 91, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side, Nov. 29, 2016. Bob was born in Portland, Dec. 30, 1924, to George H. and Mary "Lena" (Burke) Carson, and grew up in the Irish neighborhood of High Street Court. His great sense of humor was just one of his endearing qualities. In 1943, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served during World War II.
Bob met Gloria June Googins at Pine Point and they spent many hours dancing on the pier in Old Orchard Beach during the Big Band Era. They were married on Sept. 15, 1945, and they made Pine Point their lifelong home.
Bob had a fascination for cars and worked at Henly Kimball for 40 years. For the next 20 years, he continued his employment working for the Scarborough School Department and Scarborough Community Services. In his early years, he also dug clams and was a lobsterman.
The son of a Portland fire fighter, Bob honorably served 50 years on the Scarborough Fire Department and was very proud of his own son, who became a third generation firefighter and then chief of the Scarborough Fire Department. He was a member of the American Legion, Libby Mitchell Post 76, and was honored for his lifelong membership.
Like all men of "The Greatest Generation," Bob had a tremendous work ethic. Every job he did or hobby he enjoyed was done to perfection. He took great pride in a job well done. He instilled these same values in his children and grandchildren. Bob had a big heart and was always helping friends and neighbors, often without being asked to help or ever accepting a dime.
His Navy experience continued his passion for airplanes. For over five decades, he and his daughter attended numerous, annual airshows. He never tired of talking about WWII and the planes he flew on.
Bob was a sports fan, too: golf, the Patriots and Red Sox; yet he was especially animated while watching boxing. It was not uncommon to find a doily or two on the floor during a match! Boating also was a favorite pastime of Bob's, whether it was for pleasure with his family or out to catch some fish. Although, few interests exceeded his love of dogs: Lady (his Navy dog), Teddy, Andy, and his beloved Bijou - who was very spoiled!
Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gloria; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Ann Carson, of Pine Point; his daughter, Cheryl Carson, and her partner Frank Landry, of Pine Point; grandchildren, Amy Carson of Portland, Kelly Carson Apt and her partner Kevin Gribbin of Gorham, and Kathryn Ahlquist Brown of Washburn; great-grandchildren, Kaylin and Kaleb Apt, and Emmerson and Eleanor Brown; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and immense gratitude to Paige and Phil from the Girls at Homecare and the wonderful support of Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of Scarborough.
Family and friends are welcome to join in a celebration of life to be held at Willowdale Golf Course in Scarborough, Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Togus) in Augusta. Arrangements are by
Hobbs Funeral Home,
671 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough.

In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to:
Scarborough Fire Department
Attn: Engine 4 Company
246 U.S. Route One
Scarborough, ME 04074, and
Animal Refuge League
P.O. Box 336
Westbrook ME 04098