Robert Edward Dillingham

The world lost a kind, gentle and cheerful man upon the death of Robert "Bob" Dillingham on June 27, 2025. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family who will be forever grateful for his long (96 ½ years!) life.
He was born on January 10, 1929 in Everett, Massachusetts to Edward C. and Elsie G. (Morris) Dillingham and had twin older sisters Evelyn Lucy and Elsie May. His father was from Cape Cod and mother was born in Birmingham, England. He was proud of his deep Cape roots as a direct descendant of one of its first settlers. His youth was spent on and "off Cape" as his father's occupations changed. When he was six years old his mother died and father remarried and started a new family.
His fascination with airplanes was life-long. While in the eighth grade, during World War II, he won a contest to identify American, German and Japanese airplanes just by their silhouette. A year after his 1946 graduation from Orleans High School, an Air Force recruiting poster caught his eye and changed his life. He joined right up and was in active service from 1951-1955. His service as an aircraft mechanic and inspector in the midst of the Korean War brought him to bases throughout the United States, including Alaska, as well as Japan and Korea.
He might have stayed with the Air Force as career but for a double-date in 1953 while stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. Alice Costello of Lewiston, a student at the University of Maine, took one look at his bright red 1951 Ford convertible and was smitten. He left the service in 1955 having achieved the rank of technical sergeant. They were married on July 6, 1957 and lived in Bangor with Alice teaching second grade and Bob enjoying his work as a surveyor with Webster Engineering. After daughter Susan was born, he gave up a promising career with Webster and moved to Lewiston to begin a 32-year career at the Sun Journal as a machinist. Alice and Bob had three more children: Russell, Sarah and Robert.
During the children's youth he was active in the Lewiston High School Sports Family and involved in their various sports and activities. As an avid "rock hound," he brought the children along on many trips to local quarries in search of tourmaline and other treasures. His creative and skillful hands created beautiful pieces of silver jewelry to showcase his faceted gems and polished stones. He supported and encouraged all his children's and grandchildren's creative and athletic endeavors and delighted in their accomplishments. Building model airplanes was a two-generation activity, first with his sons then grandson Jonathan. He was a true "MacGyver," using available tools and materials to create and repair as needed.
He enjoyed watching birds and always kept the feeders full with seeds, nuts and his special homemade suet.
After his retirement in 1991 Bob and Alice spent many summers at Cape Cod, first in West Harwich then West Yarmouth, where they formed many friendships and happy memories.
His devotion to Alice was an inspiration and testament to his capacity for patience and love. For the last five years of her life, with her fate literally in his hands, he flawlessly prepared and administered a complex life-sustaining medication without complaint. After Alice's passing in 2008, he continued to be ever-present and supportive in his children's and grandchildren's lives. He formed new friendships and was a regular at the YMCA gyms until the COVID shutdowns.
His positive outlook and dry sense of humor continued through his medical setbacks. His final months saw him unable to be as active as he wished, yet he made the most of them and was interested in all that was happening. He left this world with the taste of a good, strong Manhattan on his tongue and a smile on his face.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Lee and Dr. Pamela Ross and their office staff for their excellent care through the years. More recently, Lindsay Ryan, N.P. and Andwell Hospice were attentive and supportive as his life was coming to an end. Son Robert lived with him during the last year and provided loving and devoted 24/7 care.
He was a member of several organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion, 49th Fighter Group Association – 49th Fighter Wing, National Wildlife Association and Audubon Association.
He is survived by his children Susan Beane and husband Jesse, Russell and wife Ann, Sarah and husband Michael Stinson and son Robert as well as grandchildren TSgt Ryan, Kevin and Christopher Dillingham and Susan Stinson and Jonathan Stinson and wife Arianna. His many cherished relatives and friends will fondly remember him.
A wake will be held on Saturday, July 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Albert & Burpee Funeral Home in Lewiston, with a short service following on-site. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery on Monday, July 21 at 11 AM.
He was a supporter of several organizations benefiting veterans. The United Service Organizations (USO) was especially meaningful to him as their programs provided uplifting moments for soldiers. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to consider a donation in his memory at https://www.uso.org/donate/memorial-donation
Condolences and fond memories may be shared with family and friends on Bob's tribute page at www.albert-burpee.com
Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services 253 Pine St. Lewiston, 782-7201.