1924 – 2013

WINTHROP — Robert Ames Starbird Sr. died peacefully at his home in Winthrop on Thursday, Sept. 19, with his beloved wife, the Rev. Eveline H. Starbird, by his side.

He was born in Farmington on April 24, 1924, the son of Lester and Joyce Ames Starbird. He attended Farmington schools and graduated from Farmington High School in 1942. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and field artillery and served his country for three years.

During that time, he married Bertha Louise Tilton of Wilton and they had four sons: Robert Jr., Edwin, Richard and David. Bob, as he preferred to be called, went to work in the Farmington Post Office following his discharge from the service. He retired in 1977, after 39 years of service with the post office.

Bob lived most of his life in Farmington and was well known to the community. He was one of the eight original members of the Old Crow Indian Band, started by his father, Leslie Starbird. The band still plays today. He also started a group called the Grand Dads, which played at nursing homes and other social functions. This was a group who needed no sheet music! They played the music of the big band era.

Bob not only loved music, but he loved trains as well, sharing that passion with his grandson, Joshua Hofferberth.

Bob was a multitalented man; being mechanically inclined, he conceived and built a riding tractor that he used to ride to school long before the riding tractors of today were invented. Betty and Bob were married for 43 years, before she died in 1986.

In 1987, Bob married Eveline “Evie” for the next 26 years. He led an interesting life, following his clergy wife from place to place.

His family also included five daughters and their husbands, Debraline and Donald Pelletier of Lewiston, Pamela and Raymond Bisson of Bowdoin, Amanda and Richard Sullivan of Scarborough, Kathleen and Howard Hofferberth of Winthrop and Ethel Adams of Winthrop; and his sons’ wives, Robert Jr. and Jill of Poland, Edwin and Patricia of Raymond and David and Diana of Farmington. Bob was blessed with 47 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, as well as many friends.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.