New Gloucester – Robert B. Fryer Sr., 70, of New Gloucester, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 14, at his home with his family at his side after a long battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Derby, Conn., on Oct. 24, 1937, to Dorothy Susan Blake and George Edward Fryer. He attended West Hartford, Conn. schools and Dean Jr. College in Massachusetts along with the University of Connecticut. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Italy where he was joined by his wife in 1959, when they were wed. Upon returning to the states, they lived in Connecticut and New York, settling in Maine in 1968.

Recently retired in January 2008, he enjoyed a career extending over 40 years in insurance, beginning with Aetna in 1965. Some of the many companies he was involved with include Peerless Insurance Co., Patrons Oxford Insurance Co., Seaco, Lumberman’s Mutual, SAN Group, North East Insurance Co., and most recently with Varney Agency. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout his life in many ventures including owning the Whitney Sanborn Agency, R.D. Nichols Insurance Agency, Frost Vacationland Properties, Blake Land Ventures and co-founding Equinox Insurance.

Those who knew him saw his kind heart and generosity in his daily life. He was involved with many philanthropic efforts, some of which include the Masons, Eagles, PIA New England, Maine Special Olympics, North East Charitable Foundation and the organization of many benefit golf tournaments. His greatest joy was his family and extended family with whom he enjoyed camping, cooking, extensive traveling and forming friendships worldwide. He enjoyed his many golf trips to Myrtle Beach and was a member of Spring Meadows Golf Course, here in Maine. He enjoyed racquetball and excelled in tennis, becoming Maine Seniors’ Doubles Champion in the 70’s.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann A. Fryer; daughter, Amy (Fryer) Wohltjen of Scarborough and her husband, Paul Wohltjen; son, R. Blake Fryer Jr. of Glenburn and his wife, Victoria Fryer; five grandchildren, Robert and William Wohltjen, Garrett Barb and Cameron and Bayley Fryer; brother, George E. Fryer Jr. of New Hampshire; and two sisters, Dorothy Hoyt of New York and Ruth Foster of Gray; his father, George E. Fryer Sr., of Gorham; and by his extended family of nephews and nieces by whom he was very much loved.