ROBERT W. PHILBROOK
VINALHAVEN………………Robert Walden Philbrook, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 3, 2016 at his home in Vinalhaven. A life-long resident of Vinalhaven, Bob was born on Sept. 27, 1949 and was the son of Frank and Thelma (Hildings) Philbrook . After graduation from Vinalhaven High School, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, California. Bob drove his famous green 1967 Pontiac across country several times while in the Navy, which he was hoping to restore over the next few years.
Following discharge from the U.S. Navy, Bob returned to Vinalhaven, and worked as a caretaker and lobsterman for many years until his death.
On February 21, 1975, he married Sharon A. Warren. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bob loved spending time with all of them.
Hawaii was Bob’s favorite vacation destination. Travelling with friends and family to many places, including Germany and Sweden where they met relatives and visited the birthplace of his grandfather. For the past eleven years in the fall, Bob drove a vehicle and a boat to Florida, then reversed the trip back to the island in the spring for summer residents of Vinalhaven. The caretaking position he had held for 40 years.
Bob will be remembered for his big smile, outgoing personality, and will be deeply missed by his family, especially his dog, Brandy.
Surviving is his wife of 41 years, Sharon Philbrook; daughter Amanda Wentworth and her husband, Wesley; son, Michael Philbrook and his wife, Susan; four very special grandchildren, Sam and Lydia Wentworth and Olivia and Brady Philbrook; brother, Donald Philbrook, Sr. and his wife Kathy of St. George; sister, Peggy Davis of Rockland; sister- in-laws, Donna Warren; Susie Pitts and her, husband Randy; brother-in-law, Dennis Warren of Vinalhaven; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles; a good friend, Randy Farnham. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Thelma Philbrook.
A gathering will be held at 12 noon on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Eastholm in Vinalhaven to celebrate Bob’s life. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the AED Fund, c/o Vinalhaven Ambulance, P.O. Box 815, Vinalhaven, ME 04863. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.