Robert A. Coolidge

GREENWOOD – Robert A. Coolidge, 87, of Greenwood, passed away on Dec. 20, 2024, after a long, hard-fought battle with lung and heart disease.

He was born in East Bethel on Jan. 17, 1937, as the eldest child of Leland and E. Louise Coolidge. Robert, known to many as “Bob”, was a beloved pillar of the Greenwood community.

A proud graduate of Gould Academy and a member of the Army Reserve, Bob owned and operated Bob’s Corner Store in Locke Mills for nearly 30 years. He also served as a firefighter with the Greenwood Fire Department and enjoyed raising beef cattle, especially his beloved Belted Galloways.

After retiring from the store he loved so much, Bob continued to stay active in the community, working for several years as a night watchman at Gould Academy. His generosity was widely recognized, and his openness, kindness, and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on countless people in Locke Mills and beyond.

Robert received numerous accolades throughout his lifetime. He was recognized by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce as Businessman of the Year, honored with the Greenwood Spirit of America award for his contributions to the community, and received the State of Maine Spirit of America award. Additionally, he was commended by the Locke Mills Union Church for 40 years of dedicated service, including plowing the parking lot and adorning the church doors with Christmas wreaths each year.

A proud and dedicated member of the Masons, Bethel Lodge #30, Robert was also an active participant in the Kora Shrine. He found joy and purpose as part of the Funsters group, where he was affectionately known as “Pluto.” In this role, he traveled across the state to bring smiles and laughter to audiences while tirelessly raising funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children. His involvement reflected his generous spirit and lifelong passion for spreading hope and joy to those in need.

Bob’s last months were fraught with challenges, and he faced those head-on with determination and wanting to remain in his beloved home. Bob had a loving and supportive family who advocated for him and provided comfort and companionship as well as the best in-home providers that allowed him to remain in his home – daughter, Lee Ann and son-in-law, Richard, daughter, Bethany and son-in-law, Steve, granddaughter, Rose, granddaughter in love, Crystelle Head, Keri Roberts and Dale Crockett.

He is survived by his daughters Lee Ann, husband Richard Wright and Bethany, husband Steve Pelletier; five grandchildren, Rose, Thomas, Sarahanne, Alice, and Forest; and two great-grandchildren, Theodore and Quinn. He is also survived by his brother, Phil Coolidge and brother-in-law Glendon Kimball.

Robert was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis; infant son, David; and sisters Serena Enman, Cynthia Cox, and Alberta “Pat” Bessey.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Alliance Church in Bethel on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children in memory of Robert Coolidge, supporting pediatric burn care services.

Contributions can be made online at: Love to the rescue®

or mailed to:

Shriners International Headquarters

2900 Rocky Point Dr.

Tampa, FL 33607

Please indicate that the donation is in memory of Robert Coolidge for burn care services.