AUBURN — Robert E. Davis Sr., 72, of Auburn, died on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

Robert was born Sept. 6, 1940, in Rhode Island, a son of the late Clarence Davis and the late Ann (Tetreault) Shipley and her husband J. D. Shipley. He was the oldest of 12 children and was educated in Rhode Island, graduating high school in 1958. He then went on to graduate from Johnson and Wales College with a degree in culinary arts.

Robert worked various jobs from teaching drivers education, to cashier, to working in shoe shops. However, his passion was being a chef.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a great sense of humor and seemingly no serious side. He loved to make folks laugh almost as much as he loved to cook. He enjoyed taking vacations with his family and his pets, especially his recent beloved puddles whom died 4 days before he did. He was also a huge Red Sox fan and an avid guitar player.

He is survived by his brothers, William Healey of New York City, Dennis Shipley of Rhode Island, Tom Shipley of Florida, Jay Dee Shipley of Rhode Island, and Kevin Douglas of Rhode Island; his sisters, Phyllis Canlas of Rhode Island, Jean Ann Cote of Rhode Island, Joan Sylvia of Rhode Island, Debra Roffo of Rhode Island, and Debra Martin of Rhode Island; his sons, Robert Davis Jr. and Jeffrey Brown, both of Rhode Island; his daughters, Robin Brown of Rhode Island, Mary Lou Davis of Maine, Joann Oke of Rhode Island, Tammy Denton of Rhode Island, Angela Brown of Rhode Island, and Erica Adamson of Maine; 14 nieces and nephews; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Shipley; sisters, Mary L. Davis and Sandy Seffens; two children; and three of his nieces and nephews.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Robert’s guest book.