Robert "Bob" W. Curtis, Sr.

Robert (“Bob”) W. Curtis, Sr., 97, of Newport, NH passed away peacefully on June 6, 2022 at New London Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Windsor, VT on February 1, 1925 to Clyde F. Curtis, Sr. and Velma Kenyon Curtis.  Bob was raised in VT and NH attending schools in Hartford, VT and Lebanon, NH.  He graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont, NH with the class of 1943.

Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army out of high school in 1943 receiving Infantry Basic Training and Light Mortar Crewman assignment.  Bob also participated in the ski troops with the 10th Mountain Division.  He served for two years in the South Pacific in New Caledonia, Solomons, and the Philippines during World War II. Bob was wounded and received a purple heart and a bronze medal.  He received Honorable Discharge from the Military Service of the USA in January 1946 with status of Sergeant Company K 148th Infantry Regiment.  Bob had many interesting stories which he enjoyed sharing about his World War II service time. 

Bob’s employment history includes working in Claremont, NH with a local furniture company for 12 years and being a U. S. Postal Service Letter Carrier for 28 years.  He retired from the Postal Service in 1985 at the age of 60 after which he enjoyed many years of road trip travel, including World War II Reunions in Ohio, with many stops along the way at campgrounds with his campers. 

Bob was also a musician playing with various bands as a bass guitarist into his 80’s. Hobbies he enjoyed for many years were table tennis, metal detecting for treasures, collecting old bottles found in very old foundations, hunting, fishing, and kayaking.  He was an animal lover and had both cats and dogs, his favorite cat being “Zip” for 17 years. Bob was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for the Red Sox and New England Patriots with his family.

Surviving family members of Robert include daughter and caregiver Jill Curtis, Newport, NH and Glen; son Robert Curtis Jr. and Deb, Canaan, NH; granddaughters Ashley Marcotte, Henderson, NV and Jessica Thibodeau, Canaan, NH; great granddaughter Ashlynn Thibodeau, Canaan, NH; several special nieces and nephews and  “Jasper”.

Bob was predeceased in death by his parents, stepfather Earl Tobin of NH; a brother Stanley Curtis of NY; brother Clyde Curtis Jr. of CT; sister Rita Curtis Dole of NH; grandson Robert Curtis III of NH; cousins in VT and NH.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sullivan County Nutrition Services, 76 South Main St., Newport, NH 03773.

A private graveside service for Robert will take place in October 2022 in Claremont, NH.

Special thanks and appreciation go to the VA Medical Center, New London Hospital, VNH of VT and NH and Maple Manor of Newport, NH.

Condolences may be sent to the family at newtonbartlett.com or  to Curtis Family, 24 Maple Manor Way, Apt A, Newport, NH  03773.

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