Robert Allen Phaneuf, Sr., 'Bob', passed away peacefully, in his sleep, July 14th, 2017, he was 86 years old. Known to those closest to him as "8" and "Big Daddy," he is survived by five sons (Bobby, Chuck, Doug, Brett & Kevin), numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, loving family and his constant companion, Noreen Arcand. Born in Ipswich, MA, he was an affable, honest, loving husband, father and grandfather and joins his wife Marie Bernadette Phaneuf in heaven. Bob worked hard every day to improve the life of his family and set a humbling example for all those that knew him.
Bob loved to travel and would drive anywhere, whether he had a hotel reservation or not; more than once the family slept in the back of the station-wagon along the Kancamagus Highway…. he loved being on the road and outside and cruising in his 64 T-Bird. After retirement, he became a school bus driver and worked until he was 80; he enjoyed watching the children on his route grow up and was honored to drive for the Winchester High-School Hockey Team. He loved to vacation in the White Mountains and spend time with his progeny, loved Crane's Beach and swimming in the ocean. Later in life he spent his weekends and summer vacation at the 'little house in the woods,' in Hillsborough, NH, and playing cribbage with his friends at the Tewksbury Senior Center….and greatly enjoyed Spring Break 2016 in Panama City Beach! Bob was loved by all that knew him and he will be missed, leaving a 6'4" 320lb hole in our lives.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather at the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington, Sunday, July 23rd, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 5 p.m. Interment services will be held on Monday at the Cowles Memorial Cemetery in Ipswich at 11 a.m.