Robert Wade Barris Jr. Obituary (2014 - 2014)

Robert Wade Barris Jr, 91, died peacefully on November 18, 2014 with his children and grandchildren by his side. For most of his life, Bob was a resident of Chelmsford, MA and summer resident of Ocean Park, ME. For the past 2 years he lived at The Woods at Canco in Portland, ME. Bob was born to Robert and Lydia Shedd Barris on May 12, 1923. Bob was a graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He was a lieutenant in the Navy and served as a 2nd assistant engineer in the Merchant Marines in World War II. Bob married Helen Ruth Vidito in 1950. She sadly predeceased him 34 years to date on November 18, 1980. Bob is survived by his sister, Charlotte Lawson Walker, a son Robert W. Barris III and his wife Deborah; three daughters Marsha Van Leeuwen and her husband Don; Barbara Smidt and her husband Sid; Judith Cote and her husband Paul; four grandchildren Kate Nicholson, Zachary Nicholson, Matthew Cote and his wife Olivia and Siemen Smidt; and his many friends in Ocean Park. While Helen was alive, they enjoyed ballroom dancing with their dance group. He enjoyed reading, refinishing furniture, re-caning chairs and yard work. Bob thought of the Ocean Park cottage as his home and took great pleasure in sitting on the porch talking with his friends as they walked to and from the beach. Bob retired from Lowell General Hospital in 1988 where he was the Facilities Director. Bob was a member of William North Lodge A.F. & A.M., Lowell, MA and Aleppo Shriners, Wilmington, MA. A private family graveside service will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA. There will be an open house celebration of Bobs life in May, 2015 at the Ocean Park family cottage. More information will be provided to friends and family in the spring. Donations in his memory may be made to the Ocean Park Association, 14 Temple Ave, Ocean Park, Maine, 04063. Interment Location Private burial will be held in Pine Ridge Cemetery.