Robert P. Gregoire ’86

SOMERS, Conn. — Robert P. Gregoire, 86, of Somers, Conn., widower of Norma Jean (Clay) Gregoire (2007), who was the love of his life, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013. He was born on June 17, 1927, in Sanford, the son of the late Napoleon and Zenaide Gregoire. Robert graduated from Sanford High School in 1945, Maine Maritime Academy in 1947, where he formed life-long friendships, the University of Maine in 1952, and Western New England College in 1978 where he earned his MBA.

Following graduation from Maine Maritime Academy he shipped out aboard the USS Netherlands Victory from 1947 to 1948 after which he completed engineering studies at the University of Maine. In 1952 Robert joined Hamilton Standard and over the next 35 years he was involved in a wide variety of activities and programs related to new product development and marketing.

Following his retirement he became a member of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and was a small business counselor with them for 15 years.

Robert lived in Somers for the past 49 years and was a faithful communicant of All Saints Church where he served on the Finance Committee for a number of years. His community involvements included volunteering with Little League and serving as a member of the Economic Development Commission.

Robert is survived by his children, Susan Steadman and her husband Douglas of Somers, Karen Nickerson and her husband James of Keene, N.H., and James Gregoire and his wife Darcy of Revere, Mass.; his daughter-in-law, Heidi Gregoire of Newburyport, Mass.; his grandchildren, Khristopher and Stephanie Gregoire, James and Megan Steadman, and Chelsea and Stephen Nickerson; and a great-grandson, Colin Gregoire Leech. In addition to his wife, Norma, he was predeceased by two sons, Stephen and Robert. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at All Saints Church, 25 School St., Somersville, Conn., on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Robert’s life. Committal will follow in West Cemetery. His family will receive relatives and friends at Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St., Somers on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m.