Robert F. Marshall

1930 – 2009

DOVER, N.H. — Robert Franklin Marshall, 79, of 46 Cataract Ave., Dover, N.H., died Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Riverside Rest Home.

He was born on July 10, 1930, in Auburn, to Charles S. Marshall Sr. and Mary Hinckley Marshall. He graduated from Edward Little High School and furthered his education through correspondence courses. He received a degree in waste water treatment and a diploma with high honors from the N.E. Institute of Oil Burners.

Bob’s employment included years at the treatment plant of Lewiston, 23 years at the Auburn Craft Shop and Ideal Desk Corp. It was there that he learned to love working with wood. In later years, he was employed by Thomas Moser Cabinmakers.

Upon the death of his uncle, Arthur Marshall, Bob owned and operated the Marshall Pop Corn Cart, often seen at parades and other civic functions in Auburn.

In moving to Dover, Bob became part of the housekeeping department of UNH, from which he retired in 1991. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades, capable of turning his hand to many different projects. If you wanted something done and done right, just ask Bob.

He learned to love and trust the Lord at an early age at home and at Sunday school. He worshipped regularly at the Auburn Advent Christian Church, where he was a member and song leader for many years. He was also a member of the Chelsea, Maine, Advent Christian Church and an associate member of St. John’s United Methodist Church of Dover. He especially enjoyed the fellowship of the men’s group at their monthly breakfasts and yearly retreats. Bob belonged to several Christian Campmeeting Associations, including Lakeside, Mechanic Falls and Alton Bay.

Bob enjoyed the friendship shared in several Masonic lodges. He had happy memories of being part of the Kora Temple Shrine of Lewiston, where he was a member of the “Chanters,” who sang as they rode in many parades. His musical talent and powerful singing voice will long be remembered in various circles as soloist at weddings and funerals. Many will also remember and miss his hearty laugh and his need to give and receive hugs.

After his retirement, Bob thoroughly enjoyed running the radar system for the Dover Police Department during their Volunteer Senior Program. He also took pleasure in driving the Visually Impaired People to their monthly meetings for 17 years. 

Traveling, singing, playing the organ and watching old Lawrence Welk programs were some of the ways Bob relaxed. But he was happiest when he had a project to do for family or friends and for this he will be sadly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Harriett Hughes Marshall; one brother, Charles S. Marshall Jr. and his wife, June, of Auburn; three nephews, the Rev. David Demarest and his wife, Diane, of Bridgeport, Ohio, Jonathan Demarest and his wife, Donna, of Granville, Ohio, and Bruce Marshall and his wife, Sharon, of Hermon; one niece, Brenda Norwood and her husband, Dan, of Ellsworth; and several great-nieces and -nephews. He also leaves four dearly loved “adopted” grandchildren, Joseph Bolobanic, U.S. Army, Nicole Bolobanic Rouleau, Spencer Bolobanic, U.S. Army, and Katie Bolobanic.

He was predeceased by his father and mother; a dear aunt, Edith Hinckley; and his dearly loved sister, Edith Marshall Demarest, and her husband, the Rev. William Demarest. 

Bob’s family would like to publicly express thanks and appreciation for the loving care given to him at Riverside Rest Home, especially those working on Unit 5. Also, thanks to friends and family for their loving support of Harriett.