Robert L. "Bob" Chute

SALEM - Robert "Bob" L. Chute, 79, a lifelong resident of Salem, NH passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 in the Aurora Senior Living Center, Derry, NH. He was born in Lawrence, MA, a son of the late Laurel G. and Nita (Tucker) Chute.

Mr. Chute simply loved to work and held many jobs during his lifetime. He was a lineman, worked for Yankee Bottle Gas, and delivered ice to the Rockingham Park racetrack during the summers for Salem Ice Company. He was involved in the last ice cutting on Millville Lake. He dug ditches for the Town of Salem, he was a call fireman for Salem and a member of the Fire Brigade for Rockingham Park, he framed houses and worked construction. Most importantly though, Mr. Chute was a beloved father and educator. He began his career in teaching and education in 1960. His jobs included being a teacher, a coach, a vice principal, a principal; he served as head of the teachers union where he helped avoid a strike. He could defuse difficult situations. He truly liked and cared for his students and in return they liked and respected him. Following his retirement, he went back to work as an aide for the special education services for Salem. He also served as the head of Saturday detention.

Mr. Chute enjoyed sports and is a member of the Salem High School Hall of Fame; he wrestled and played football in college. Throughout his life he enjoyed and understood the value of exercise, working out, running and being active. He was often seen walking about town. He was a versatile, professional and industrious man who was extremely project oriented and enjoyed always having something to do and a place to be. He was an avid gardener, a Simon and Garfunkel fan, and a history buff, and was known as a "cat whisperer" to his friends and family.

He is survived by his children, Robert L. Chute, Jr. of Epping, NH, Laurel O'Keefe of Chicopee, MA, Misty Glines of Epping, Erik Chute of Salem and Buddy Kivell, Jr. of Salem, and by his 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John C. Chute of Salem and his sister, Lisa Ward of Pelham, NH and by his favorite cat, Tiger Lily. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Claire F. (Sargent) Chute in 2016 and also by an infant brother, Cameron.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be held Friday, July 13, 2018 from 2:30 to 8 p.m. in the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Woodbury Middle School gymnasium, 206 Main St., Salem. Memorials may be directed to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079. To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com.