1935 – 2013

LEWISTON — Robert R. Gladu, 78, of Lewiston, beloved husband for over 50 years of Ginette (Grenier) Gladu, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 1, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Lewiston on Jan. 27, 1935, the son of the late Ronald and Loretta Laberge Gladu. He was educated in Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1953. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

After returning from the service, he worked for the Lewiston Police Department for nine years. He founded Gladu Roofing Company in 1967. He was a very adventurous businessman and had much success.

In 1981, he became co-owner of the Pepperell Mill.

He was a devoted Catholic and member of the Prince of Peace Parish at Holy Family Church. Bob loved coaching youth hockey and baseball for many years. He enjoyed hunting, tending to his home farm and wintering in Sarasota, Fla., with Ginette and her sisters, Georgette and Madeleine.

Robert loved to travel around the world, especially the Caribbean Islands. The crown jewel of all his trips was to Mali, Africa, to visit his daughter, Elaine.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he supported his family in all of their interests. He was known to return from Florida just to attend the Lions Tournament. He was also an avid Red Sox fan.

Bob was a generous man, who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed his morning talks with his Tim Horton friends and was known for his large family Christmas parties at the Bingo Hall, always the lead in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Maria and husband, Adam Higgins, of Lewiston, Elaine Lake and husband, Daniel, of Lewiston, and Patricia Turgeon and husband, Edward, of Lewiston; three sons, Robert T. Gladu and wife, Ramona, of Leeds, William Gladu and wife, Michelle, of Lewiston, and Matthew Gladu and wife, Brenda, of Greenland, N.H.; Richard Dube and wife, Annette, of Mechanic Falls; grandchildren, Courtney Gladu, Daniel and Emilie Cloutier, Aaron Higgins, Jacob, Isaac, Robert II and Luke Gladu, Sean and Joseph Lake, Edward, Thomas and Sophia Turgeon, Gabrielle and William Gladu, Alexander, Casey and Nicholas Gladu, Jennifer Johnson, Maureen Lake and Kimberly Travaglini; two sisters, Constance Traynor and husband, Leyon, of Lewiston, and Jeanne Flynn of Auburn; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob will be missed by all. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all those he touched. His generous and kind heart will be remembered by many.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Gladu family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.