Robert J. Waldron ’50 died on March 2, 2025, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
(The following was provided by the Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes – Wolfeboro on July 21, 2025:)
Robert James Waldron ’50
Robert James Waldron, 96, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 19, 1928, in Augusta, Maine, to James N. and Alice R. Waldron, Robert’s early years were marked by frequent moves before his family settled in Rochester, NH, in 1940. He graduated from Spaulding High School in 1946 and attended Bowdoin College, earning his degree, cum laude, in just three years. Though a member of the Class of 1950, he completed his studies in 1949 before going on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 1952.
Following law school, Robert proudly served his country as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He remained in the reserves for a decade, achieving the rank of captain before his honorable discharge.
After his military service, Robert began his legal career in Boston, working as an associate at the Leon Newnam Law Office from 1953 to 1958. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Janet L. Dorrer, originally from Callicoon, NY.
In 1958, Robert and Janet moved to Presque Isle, Maine, where he established the trust department at Northern National Bank. He rose to the position of vice president at what later became Casco Northern Bank before retiring in 1984. Not one to stay idle, he briefly ran his own law office, Waldron Law Office, out of his home.
In 1987, Robert and Janet relocated to Bedford, NH, where he worked as assistant vice president and trust officer at the Bank of New Hampshire in Manchester until 1990. They then moved to Wolfeboro, where he re-established Waldron Law Office, specializing in wills and estate planning. He continued working for several years before fully retiring in 2017.
Robert was deeply committed to community service throughout his life. He was an active member of Rotary International, serving in both Presque Isle and Wolfeboro. His dedication earned him the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition. His leadership extended to numerous organizations, including serving as deacon of the First Congregational Church in Presque Isle, director of the Presque Isle Country Club, and a member of the MSAD #1 School Board. He played a pivotal role in founding and leading Presque Isle’s Boy Scout Troop #168, served as president of the local YMCA and director of the Maine State YMCA Board, and held leadership positions at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital and the University of Maine at Presque Isle Foundation. Additionally, he contributed to the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library Foundation, the Schedule B Organization, the Aroostook County Bar Association, the Corporate Fiduciaries Association, and the Fred and Marion Warman Foundation.
Beyond his professional and community contributions, Robert’s greatest joy was his family. He and Janet raised four children – Roger, James, Scott, and Barbara – in Presque Isle, where he was a constant presence in their lives. A devoted father, he could always be found in the stands, cheering as his sons played basketball for Cunningham Middle School and Presque Isle High School. From the smallest gyms in Aroostook County to the biggest arenas across Maine, Robert never missed a game, always supporting, always celebrating.
He was equally proud to support Barbara, whether she was competing in horse shows or performing with the Cunningham Middle School and Presque Isle High School concert and stage bands. A lifelong New England sports fan, Robert found great joy in watching the Larry Bird-era Celtics, the Red Sox, from the days of Ted Williams to their modern World Series wins, and the Tom Brady-led Patriots.
His passions extended beyond the sports world. Robert was an avid coin collector, a dedicated chess player, and a lifelong reader who ended each evening with a good book-and often a glass of scotch on the rocks. In the summer, his favorite nights included a perfectly grilled filet mignon or fresh lobster, followed by a cigar on the deck as he listened to the Kingston Trio.
Robert lived a long, active, and full life, rich in love, laughter, and meaningful moments. His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He is dearly missed, and his presence will be felt in the lives of his family forever.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet. He is survived by his four children: Roger and his wife, Pamela, of Vienna, Virginia, and their children, Kaitlin, Gregory, and RJ; James and his wife, Jennifer, of Gilford, NH, and Solomons, MD; Scott and his partner, Donna DeSalle, of Minot, Maine; and Barbara and her husband, William Barton, of Tuftonboro, NH, and their children, Emily and Sam; and his cousin, Eleanor, and her husband, Julio Feliu, of Gambrills, MD.