Robert Armand Gendron, 80, of Sanford, died on Monday, June 10, 2019, at the Greenwood Center in Sanford, Maine. Bob was born in Sanford, Maine on July 20, 1938, to Joseph Armand and Eunice (Brooks) Gendron. He was raised in Sanford, graduated from Sanford High School in 1956 and, in 1960, earned an A.B in history from Harvard College where he was a member of Winthrop House. Bob’s Harvard connections were robust; he hosted a marvelous mini reunion in Kennebunkport in the fall of 2006. He also attended graduated school at the Sorbonne (Paris) where he perfected his great facility with the French language.
Bob pursued career opportunities (primarily in advertising and sales in the automotive and marine industries) in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario before returning to Maine. He had a passion for teaching, from when he was a young lifeguard helping children swim to when he was a substitute teacher later in his career. In recent years, he enjoyed helping customers at Home Depot.
Bob had a lifelong love of antiques, Native American baskets, and dining out. He was an avid reader with a deep interest in American history and cultures around the world.
Bob married twice to Jean Leavitt in 1971, the mother of his children, and Sandra Louise Spencer (1989). Surviving are his children, Mark and his wife, Kelli Kirk of Seattle, Wash., and Kristin and her husband, Matthew Bailey of St. Paul, Minn; grandchildren include Violet and Milo Clark of Seattle and Perrin and Anna Bailey of St. Paul. Bob is also survived by his sister, Suzanne St. Laurent; niece and nephew Lise Hill and Mark St. Laurent, and brother David Brooks Gendron.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 17, at 11 a.m., at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford. Interment will be immediately following at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
Published, with a few minor variations, in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on June 15, 2019.
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