Robert C. Orne

1/26/1930 - 8/7/2025

Groton - In loving memory of Robert C. Orne who passed from this life Aug. 7, 2025, in New London. It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we reflect upon the life and legacy Robert C. Orne of Groton, whose journey graced the lives of his family and friends, leaving an enduring mark on all who knew him. While words alone cannot encompass the breadth of impact one life may have, this obituary seeks to honor not only his devotion to his family but also the spirit of kindness Robert brought to the world before his passing.

Born to Kenneth S. and Dorothy (Davis) Orne Jan. 26, 1930, in Boston, Mass. He lived in Roslindale, Mass. for a short period of time with his parents and his younger brother Raymond K. Orne (predeceased in 2005). His early formative years were spent surrounded by warmth, encouragement, and the nurturing embrace of his parents. From an early age, it was clear that curiosity and compassion would become defining features of Robert's character.

His parents passed away in his early years, but in 1937, he was taken in by his grandparents, Charles T. Orne and Irene M. Orne, who raised him with love and taught him the value of hard work and to find the wonder in his surroundings near the waters of West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. These early experiences sowed the seeds for a life of meaning and connection. Robert graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School, in 1948, and then from Maine Vocational Institute, in 1952. Robert proudly served in the U.S. armed services during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. Four years later, after meeting, and falling in love with, Joan (Armstrong) Orne, he married her in Boothbay Harbor, Aug. 16, 1958. A devoted couple for 67 years, they were rarely separated from each other's company and were affectionately referred to as "two peas in a pod."

Robert, like many of us, was no stranger to sorrow. He was predeceased, tragically, by his infant son, Kenneth S. Orne, in 1961. Robert soon became the loving father to Kathryn Orne Kent; and eventually the father-in-law to his "bonus son," William R. Kent; adoring grandfather to Robert W. Kent (wife, Leann) and Amy K. Kent (husband, Erik Fajardo). Robert (along with Joan) rarely missed a baseball or softball event and were their grandchildren's biggest fans. Robert also leaves two great-grandchildren, whom he adored, William L. Kent and Lucille K. Kent (children of Robert and Leann). He will be greatly missed by his special nephew Maxwell Lewis (wife Nora); cousins, Margaret Tew (husband David), Virginia Tison and numerous cousins.

We are grateful for other extended family members and friends, who, along with his immediate family, will dearly miss Robert and his keen wit, his passion for cars and boats, his quick willingness to help anyone in need, and how much he enjoyed watching the boats and ships in the harbor all his life.

Robert had a spirit of diligence and an unyielding work ethic, balancing ambition with integrity. He was employed at Samples Shipyard, Boothbay Harbor, Maine (1957-1958) and then at Bath Ironworks, in Maine (1958-1963).

Moving the family to Groton, in 1963, Robert spent the next 30 years at Electric Boat (1963-1993). After his retirement from EB, leaving as an electronics supervisor, and with his passion for cars and driving, Robert chose to ease into retirement, driving part time for the Curtin Livery Service (1994-2005). In all of his various jobs, Robert "did with his might whatever his hands found to do." Above all, family remained the heart of Robert's world. Family traditions included many warm and wonderful memories made in his West Boothbay Harbor childhood home for holiday gatherings and summer vacations. Robert also loved to travel, take cruises, go boating, be on the water, and tend his gardens.

In the community, he quietly lived by the belief that even small acts of kindness can ripple outward. He was a Life Member of Seaside Lodge #144 in Maine, a member of the Mystic Seaport, and a charter member of Mystic Marine Life Aquarium. In his earlier life, following a childhood passion, he became a volunteer firefighter for the Boothbay Harbor Fire House.

As we bid farewell, we do so with gratitude for the time we were afforded with Robert, for the lessons learned, and for the love that remains. Though his journey on earth has ended, the light he brought into the world continues to illuminate our hearts. In the quiet moments, in the laughter of loved ones, and in the acts of kindness that ripple ever outward, Robert's spirit endures.

"Rest in peace, dear one. Your legacy lives on in all of us."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to a cause important to your own heart.