LEWISTON — Robert J. Provencher, 81, of Lewiston died Sunday, July 4, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Lewiston, Feb. 2, 1929, the son of Aime and Carmen (Breton) Provencher. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1948, and attended Riverside College in California. He served his country in the U.S. Army overseas in Europe. Upon his return, he graduated from the University of Maine in Orono, where he met and married his college sweetheart, Mary Jane Glidden of Bangor.

Bob taught history and government at Lewiston High School after which he earned his master’s degree at the University of Southern Maine in elementary education. He then worked for the Lewiston school system for many years and retired as an elementary principal for Lewiston schools.

Upon his retirement, he worked at Bates College as an equipment manager and driver.

He had a lifelong love of athletics, played high school football on the1947 Maine State Championship football team, and on the University of Maine at Orono Black Bears All Maine team in 1957. He coached in youth and high school athletic programs in Lewiston, proudly and positively influencing local youth.

Bob was very proud of his marriage and family. He was an avid reader and history buff with an exceptional memory. He loved camp, skiing, and most of all people, and always enjoyed stopping wherever he was to chat.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary of Lewiston; his children, Robert M. Provencher and his wife, Anne E. Archambault, of Freeport, William E. Provencher and his wife, Linda, of Overland Park, Kan., Lynne M. D’Eramo and her husband, Andrew J., of Lewiston and Christina M. Gamache and her husband, Daniel R., of Sabattus; nine grandchildren, Thomas and Christopher Provencher of Freeport, April and Ashley Provencher of Overland Park, Kan., Alexandra, Samantha, and Kristen D’Eramo of Lewiston and Benjamin and Sophia Gamache of Sabattus; his sister, Doris and her husband, Bertrand Gagnon, of Lewiston and Sun City, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.