Robert Lobley

Robert G. W. Lobley

April 15, 1933 - February 26, 2025

Robert "Bob" Gordon Wilbur Lobley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and cherished member of the Orrington community, passed away peacefully at his home in Orrington, surrounded by his loving family. A man of unwavering faith, service, and dedication, Bob leaves behind a legacy of leadership, kindness, and commitment to his family, friends, and community.

Born in Orrington on April 15, 1933, Bob was the son of Harold Coy Lobley and Sadie French Lobley. He attended the Blanche K. Blake School in South Orrington and graduated from Brewer High School in 1950. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Orrington, he was an active leader within the church, serving as Chairman of the Advisory Council and Finance Committee, and supporting the church's food pantry ministry.

In 1956, Bob married the love of his life, Julia Jordan of Machias, with whom he shared 68 years of love, devotion, and partnership. Together, they raised two children, Victoria and Wayne, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and service. Bob dedicated 35 years to Dakin Sporting Goods in Bangor, where he served as General Manager until its closing in 1985. He and Julia then moved to Machias, where they owned and operated Jordan Gardens Florist-Greenhouses, sharing their passion for horticulture with the community until their retirement in 2005. They later returned home to Orrington, where Bob continued his lifelong commitment to service.

Bob was a pillar of the Masonic community, following in the footsteps of his father and brother, who were charter members of Ralph J. Pollard Lodge #217. A Master Mason for over 60 years, he served as Past Master and longtime Secretary of Ralph J. Pollard Lodge #217, and a charter member of Seminary Hill Daylight Lodge #220. Bob joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1978 Millwee Chapter #198, and was a member of the Grand Chapter Investment Committee for 15 years.

He was an active leader in the Scottish Rite, receiving his 33rd Degree from the Supreme Council in 2015. Bob was also a dedicated member of the Anah Shrine, serving as Chief Director Emeritus, and held leadership roles with the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, where he served as Trustee and Chairman of the Investment Committee.

Bob was deeply invested in the youth of his community, serving as Treasurer of the DeMolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation for 30 years, an advisor to the Orrington Rainbow Assembly and the Bangor DeMolay Chapter

His dedication to service extended beyond the Masonic fraternity, he was Past Master of Enterprise Grange in Orrington, and a member of both the State and National Grange. He was an advisor to Orrington Boy Scout Troop #44, served as a Town Constable from 1961-1968, and was a member of the Orrington School Board for 12 years, serving as Chairman three times. In 1965, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Orrington Junior Chamber of Commerce, and in 2019, he was honored as Orrington Citizen of the Year.

Bob's contributions to Orrington were many, including chairing the Community Betterment U.S. Flag Project, which placed American flags along Route 15 and Center Drive. His meticulous care in ensuring flags were properly placed and replaced each year became a hallmark of his dedication to his town. He also served on the Dean Hill Cemetery Improvement Association for a number of years. He was a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public for over 50 years, he officiated over 600 weddings, maintaining a connection with many couples over the years.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Bob will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, humility, and steadfast dedication to those around him. He was especially fond of all the friends he made at the Brewer Parks and Recreation Senior Fitness Program. He and Julia were often found on the dance floor, at a line dance or at a festival street dance wowing the crowd, at home tackling another 1000 piece puzzle or a new garden project! He led by example-always ready to lend a hand, share a story, or brighten someone's day with his warm smile, gentle chuckle, and quick wit. His unwavering commitment to making the world a better place inspired all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Julia (Jordan); his sister Alfreda (Lobley) Webster, his sister Linda (Lobley) St. Louis, his brother Earl; his children, Victoria (Lobley) Cronin and Robert Cronin and Wayne and Jennifer (Hume) Lobley; his grandchildren, Dr. Christina (Cronin) and Zack Castaneda, Michael and Dr. Alexandra (Settele) Cronin, Nicholas Cronin, Dr. Emily Lobley and Christian Musto, and Jordan Lobley and Sarah Walsh; his great-grandchildren, Lily Castaneda, Levi Castaneda, Ellie Cronin and Noah Cronin; and many dear friends and extended family members.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 2 pm to 4 pm. Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where a celebration of Bob's life and a masonic memorial service will be held at 1 pm. Tuesday, March 4,2025. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the Family Reception Rooms of Brookings-Smith, following the service.

Donations in his memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church ,14 Center Dr., P.O. Box 108, Orrington, ME. 04474, the Children's Dyslexia Learning Center, C/O the Bangor Masonic Center, 294 Union St., Bangor, ME. 04401 or a charity of your choice.

Bob's legacy of service, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.