Robert J. Laplante
LEWISTON – Robert J. Laplante “Bob”, 78, of Lewiston, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022 after a courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer. Family was able to say their goodbyes during his week-long stay at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Bob was born in Lewiston on April 14, 1943 to Stanley and Jeanne (Perrier) Laplante. He lived his entire life in Lewiston and upon graduating from Lewiston High School in 1961, he entered into the Army National Guard. It was by chance, while on leave, that he met his sweetheart, Joline Marquis, at her home while picking up her brother before returning to duty. Bob and Joline married on June 20, 1964 and together they raised their two children, Rick and Lisa. They had a strong, happy marriage for almost 58 years and had a bond that could only be separated by death. He will continue to live on in the hearts of his wife and family.
In January of 1966, Bob joined the Lewiston Fire Department which started his first career, proudly serving over 28 years. During that time he attended many National Fire Academies and took classes to continue his education. He retired in 1994 as Assistant Fire Chief.
In 1997 he started his second career as Property Manager for University of Southern Maine, a job he thoroughly enjoyed and worked at until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 70. He also held many part-time jobs throughout his work life. Bob was a hard, conscientious worker and his family was very proud of him and all of his accomplishments.
Bob and Joline, throughout their married life, enjoyed camping and traveling along the East Coast, vacationing in Florida, Myrtle Beach, the Jersey Shore, Connecticut, Wells Beach and Old Orchard Beach and made frequent trips to Quebec Canada. Bob would enjoy talking about the sites, people and friends they met along the way.
He kept busy during retirement remodeling their home which he took great pride in. He also enjoyed paint by numbers and made some beautiful paintings which Joline proudly displayed in their home. Bob never liked being the center of attention, but he enjoyed socializing and going to gatherings with family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joline; his son, Richard Laplante and wife Brenda, his daughter, Lisa Galarneau and husband Ron; his three grandchildren who he was very proud of, Matthew Laplante, Danielle Laplante and her partner Eric Meader, and Troy Galarneau; his sisters Constance Marley and Lorraine Klibensky, brother-in-law, Maurice Marquis, sisters-in-law Laurette Gagne and Bernie Marquis; many nieces and nephews; step-grandchildren Brandon Galarneau and his partner Sarah along with their children Grace and Alex; Candra Cardinal and her husband Daniel along with their daughters Ava and Amelia; and his very special granddog Brady.
He was predeceased by his parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law Albert and Jeanne (Jutras) Marquis.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brown, all the nurses and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their compassionate care during his hospital stay and fight against cancer.
Visitation Fortin Group, Auburn, Wednesday March 30 at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 12 p.m. Committal to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
To leave a message in the family’s online guestbook, please visit http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com
A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 783-8545.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the
Dempsey Center
29 Lowell St. 5th Floor,
Lewiston, ME 04240.