BRUNSWICK — Robert William Ayer, 85, went to be with his heavenly Father on March 17.

He was born the first son of Lloyd and Ina (Preston) Ayer in Charlotte, July 8, 1926, and grew up in Pembroke.

He served in the Navy on the USS Philadelphia, and met his wife of 66 years, Viola Vanni Ayer, while in Philadelphia.

He started his career with Gulf Oil Co. in Pembroke and then transferred to Westbrook, where he lived for 30 years. He retired from Gulf Oil and then moved to Livermore until 2005, and then moved to Brunswick to be near his family.

Survivors in addition to his loving wife are his children, Jessie (Raymond) Parker, John (Christine) Ayer, Janet (Daniel) McKenney and Jane (Peter) Melanson; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; and younger brother. Albert Allen Ayer.