AUBURN – Robert D. “Bob” Mercier, 78, of Auburn, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, at his home.

He was born on July 15, 1928, in Lewiston, the son of the late John and Delia Mercier. He grew up in Lewiston and served in the U.S. Army Medical Co. in Fort Devens, Mass.

As an optician, he was employed by Vining’s and then Pearl Optical Companies. During retirement, he became a medical courier for Medpath, a Massachusetts-based company.

He was a lifelong Red Sox and Kentucky Derby fan. In his early years, he enjoyed canoeing, hunting, ice fishing and camping. He was frequently heard whistling the classics and show tunes.

He is survived by Jean M. Mercier of Old Orchard Beach; and their five children, Thomas C. Mercier and his wife, Margaret, of Rochester, N.Y., Richard E. Mercier and his wife, Lorraine, of Attleboro, Mass., Karen J. Mercier of Old Orchard Beach, David A. Mercier of Saco, and Tina D. Mercier of Lyman; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Delice Blais, of Auburn.