BELMONT – Robert R. Despres, 85, of Belmont, NH, formerly of Daytona Beach, FL, died Saturday, December 21, 2013 in his home after a long illness.
He was born in Norwalk, CT, the son of Maurice and Alice (Carrigan) Despres. Robert served in the US Army during World War II. He was a man who wore many hats. He was a skilled machinist by trade and retired from Branson Ultrasonic in Danbury, CT. He operated his own machine shop with his son for many years. He was a member of the VFW where he formerly served as Chaplain and enjoyed working on his land in Belmont with his backhoe and his old Massey Ferguson tractor. Robert enjoyed the challenge of research and development and was recognized numerous times for his accomplishments developing new tooling and processes.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances (Palinkas) Despres of Belmont, NH, five sons: Robert S, Raymond, Dennis, Robert F. and George, five daughters: Jeanette, Deborah, Roberta, Denise and Elizabeth, 21 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. . In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Robert W. Erma.
A calling hour will be held from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH, using the Carriage House entrance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated also on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at 10AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish at Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, N.H. Burial with military honors will be held at 10AM on Friday, December 27, 2013 at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.