AUBURN – Robert W. Caron of 161 East Ave., Lewiston, a former Ward 7 Alderman, passed away Friday morning, Sept. 1, at 85 years old.

He was a member of Holy Cross Church, born in Lewiston on June 4, 1921, the son of Delcia Gagnon Caron and David Caron.

Mr. Caron served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Phillipine Islands and Japan, from Sept. 1942 through Jan. 1946.

He served as Alderman in Ward 7 for two terms each in the 1950’s and again in the 1970’s. He was a member of the Lewiston Charter Commission, the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals and the Civil Defense.

For many years he bowled in the St. Joseph’s League of Holy Cross Church and most recently with the Young at Heart Bowling League at Spare Time Recreation Center. He retired in 1983 as a lead man in the electrical department at Bath Iron Works after 30 years.

He was an avid fisherman for most of his life and was fondly known as “Sebago Bob.” He followed the Boston Red Sox with a passion since his early childhood and was one of their best fans.

In his youth he was known as a top-notch baseball player in the Twin City League as a player and manager of many different teams. He was one of the league’s fastest baserunners and stole many bases for several teams including the Mohawks, the Past-Time Club, the New Auburn Social Club and the Montagnard Club. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was a member of several U.S. Army championship baseball teams.

Mr. Caron, a well-known carpenter, made many wooden gliders that can still be seen throughout central Maine during the summer. He loved golfing and working in his garden at his Sebago Lake camp, playing pinochle, making puzzles and the love and company of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alvira (Vi) Caron of Lewiston. They were married in Alhambra, Calif., in All Souls Church on Aug. 20, 1944. His sons include Robert Jr. of Stratton, Jim and wife, Rena of Monmouth, and Tom and wife, Kelley of Framingham, Mass. His daughters include Dell Gray and husband, Wayne of Lewiston and Nancy Anderson of La Mesa, Calif.; a brother, Joe and wife, Priscilla of Lisbon; ten grandchildren, including Denise Caron of Auburn, Rhonda Caron of Ariz., Casey Deletetsky of Auburn, Jason Caron of Winthrop, Stewart Anderson of Framingham, Mass., Leighton Anderson of La Mesa, Calif., Steff and Cari Deschenes both of Lewiston and Jack and Robbie Caron of Framingham, Mass.; as well as three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by by his parents; sisters, Rose Albert and Loretta Mathieu; brothers, Roland Caron and Fern Caron; and an infant son, John Francis Caron (1957).