Robert Charles De Lisle

Robert C. De Lisle, of Edgartown Massachusetts passed away with his family by his side on November 16, 2021, just a short week before his 87th birthday. Robert shared his life in marriage and friendship with his wife of 59 years, Linda Gaffney De Lisle.
Robert was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on November 28, 1934 and pre-deceased by his parents Raymond and Desneiges De Lisle, and brother Richard De Lisle. Robert is survived by his wife Linda of Edgartown MA.,his daughter Nicole De Lisle Warshaw of Westwood, MA., and his son Charles De Lisle of Mill Valley, CA. He leaves 3 grandchildren who held a special place in his heart: Vanessa Warshaw, Logan Warshaw and Chloe Warshaw. Robert also leaves his two younger sisters, Nancy Maynard, Elaine Membrino as well as his godson Keith Maynard.
Robert, known as Bob by his many friends was recognized to be a inspiring teacher and an enthusiastic student of life. During his high school years he competed in speed skating, winning medals at races throughout and beyond New England such as lake Saranac and Lake Placid all leading up to the U.S. Olympic team trials in St Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Air Force and was engaged in the Tactical Air Command, ATSC during the Korean War. During his college years Bob spent weekends sailing, racing his beloved star sailboat the Galatea with friends, was a ski instructor, raced bicycles and was always a driven and avid sportsman.
After receiving his degree Bob taught history on a high school and college level for over 25 years, during which he engaged his students in another love of his, chess, and started the Worcester County high school Chess League. Bob was always involved in new adventures, he founded and started a local woodworking business culminating in his shop De Lisle Woodcrafting in Gardner MA. Bob was a gifted photographer and built a commercial photography business shooting sports and events across the country. He was a carpenter, a talented wallpaper hanger, avidly read and collected books, a huge music fan, played the guitar, coached soccer, and built two houses for his family.
Retiring from teaching in 1988 he and his wife Linda moved year-round to Edgartown MA. The island's beautiful roads and paths got him back into riding and lead to him building a successful, award-winning bicycle rental business, Wheel Happy. Bob loved meeting people from all around the world and sharing his love for biking on the Vineyard.
Bob's zeal for mastering technique drew him to perfecting his skill at shooting skeet. He established himself as a top champion skeet competitor and became both an instructor and president of the Martha's Vineyard Rod & Gun club. Here he certified, taught and helped hundreds of people learn the strategy and skill he had mastered. He took pride in his work, grew the membership and was instrumental in raising community interest campaigning for capital and building the clubs new meetinghouse.
Bob was a Master Mason through the Charles W. Moore Masonic Lodge and was honored at a dinner for fifty years of service at the Oriental-Martha's Vineyard Lodge of which he was a member.
Anyone who knew him knew that Bob was a great friend and true Renaissance man. His enthusiasm for life, his entertaining stories, sense of humor, generosity and his positive attitude will be remembered by all who knew him. He cherished sharing the world with his wife Linda, who he always said he would love forever. Without doubt, he will be greatly missed by all of us that knew him and loved him.
A tribute and celebration of his life will be held in Mid-May at the Martha's Vineyard Rod & Gun Club, Edgartown MA. At his request, donations in his memory can be made to the Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 1799, Edgartown, MA 02539.