SOUTH PORTLAND – Robert (Bob) passed away on May 31, 2023, in the comfort of his home after a long illness. He was born on March 5, 1938 to Virginia and Evan Collett in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the youngest of six children. At the age of 16, Bob came to Maine to visit his brother Jim, which became more than just a visit.

Bob started his career with Shaw’s Supermarkets where he met the love of his life, Elise. After working 18 years with Shaw’s, he became a self-employed salesman with Pepperidge Farm and retired at the age of 55. He enjoyed working in his garage on small engine repairs which kept him busy for many years. Bob was the “jack of all trades” and there was nothing he couldn’t build or repair.

Some of his fondest memories were the trips he and Elise took with friends on their motorcycles. Bob also loved the game of cribbage. He and his wife started every morning with a game.

Being self-employed, Bob knew his vacation time with the family would be limited so he installed a pool in the backyard with the help of his son and neighborhood boys. The pool became the place where many wonderful memories were created, especially every Sunday, July 4th and Labor Day with family and close friends. Bob loved coming home every day to find the pool full of friends and neighborhood children. He knew he was blessed to have a large family and so many wonderful friends.

Bob had a personality that was “one-of-a kind.” He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Outside of his family, many people refer to him as their other Dad or Gramps.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years Elise Williams Collett; son Robert W. Collett, Jr.; daughters Debra Harris (Richard Harris), Linda Theriault (Michael Theriault), Donna Collett and Laurie Briggs (Ted Briggs); grandchildren Melissa Siwik, Jason Theriault, Christina Ouellette, Shawn Theriault, Evan Rench, Aaron Rench, Mitchell Briggs and Alayna Briggs. He also had six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by many.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 P.M., on Tuesday, June 6, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine. Funeral service will also be at Hobbs on Wednesday, June 7, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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