Robert Sidney Conley
Ellsworth
Robert Sidney Conley, the first-born child of Louis and Norma Conley, born on Aug. 28, 1947, died on Nov. 14, 2020. He was born in Aroostook County, but the need to be near the ocean for Norma soon led the family back to the coastal village of Corea, where Bobby spent the remainder of his childhood. And it was there in Corea that Bobby began his life as a husband and father in a tiny house on the harbor that was overflowing with kids and love.
Bobby and Brenda (Stewart) married in 1966 and together created a large, loving (and loud) family. Through the years they made homes in Corea, Winter Harbor, Franklin and Ellsworth as well as their “away” time at campgrounds in Maine and Florida. Wherever they laid the welcome mat their children Kevin (and Dolora), Karen (and French), Kim (and Al) and Bobbi Jo (and Wilson) were at the center of their lives.
The ocean was an essential part of Bobby, and as a young man he earned a living digging clams, worms and hauling lobsters. Then, during and after his long career at the Bucksport mill, those activities became his hobby. He particularly loved going to haul with his grandson Cole. He enjoyed fishing with a rod and reel, too. One of his favorite things about his winters in Florida was walking down to the water every day with a bucket of bait and casting his line.
He listened to twangy ’60s country music and would blast it at full volume on Saturday mornings to wake up his kids. He would cook them a HUGE breakfast and then have them start in on their weekend chores. He taught them the value of working hard and the importance of sharing a meal with your family. During football season, he would let the kids wrap up early so they could watch the game. Even though he was a lifelong Mainer and New Englander, somehow Bobby ended up a Yankees and Giants fan … to the horror of his son, Kevin (a diehard Red Sox and Patriots fan).
He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He would cook up the lobsters he hauled, the clams he dug, pick them out — then give them away. Everyone looked forward to Bobby’s lobster cookouts. He was known for his pickled wrinkles, “soused” clams and “Spanish” hot dogs. All three were always on the table at any Conley family function.
While he adored his children, he found the greatest joy in being a grandfather. He was a proud “Gramp” and “Papa” to Carly, Josh and Jarod Lowell, Ashley (Pageau) Briggs, William and Katheryn French, Brittany High, Shelby (High) Holmes, Lacy Carter, Cole and Lindsey Pettegrow and Theo Conley. Then he was doubly blessed to become a great-grandfather to another whole generation, which began with Nevaeh Becker, who referred to her great-grandparents as the “Great One and Bobby.” Next came Madison Lowell, Caine and Waylon Blanchard, Aria French, Corban and Poppy Briggs, Brynn Hammond, Jack Farady and the youngest addition to the Conley clan, Carter Louis Shedd, born on Oct. 26. They were the lights of his life.
Bobby was the eldest of five siblings, Ninetta (Bill Kearns), Phyllis (Walter Moore), Danny (Priscilla) and Dolly (Tom Sullivan). He liked to remind them that he was the favorite child. The Conley “kids” maintained a very deep bond with each other. Bobby was heartbroken by the death of his younger brother Danny in 2019.
“Uncle” Bobby was beloved by his many nieces and nephews. He and Brenda had a wide circle of friends who will also miss him including Ralph Murphy, Burton Maker, Hazel and Carl Williams plus many special campground friends in Maine and Florida.
Bobby tried to be gruff and did not tolerate gossip, but everyone knew he was a soft-hearted soul, particularly when it came to his children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Like his father, Louis, Bobby was hardworking and unreserved in his affection for his family. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle man and devoted husband to his wife, Brenda.
To honor Bobby’s memory, the family asks that you donate to a local charity that supports Maine children. In true Bobby fashion, he would not want anyone to be sad. He would want us to remember the good times, celebrate his life with great food, family and friends. Once we emerge from the pandemic, there will be a colossal cookout with lots of hugs and Conway Twitty playing on Bobby’s turntable. So, in the meantime, wear a mask, wash your hands and #ProtectNana so we can get together to share our memories of our dear friend, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and husband, Bobby Conley.