WINSLOW – Robert James Violette of Winslow and Fairfield passed away on March 15, 2021 and is now at peace alongside his loving wife of 67 years, Ethel McBeth Violette.

Born in Belmont, Mass. to Louis N. and Eva Brilliant Violette, the family soon returned to Fairfield, where Bob would reside for the next 54 years. He attended Lawrence High School, where he excelled at athletics and was the captain of the football team.

Upon graduation in 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in boot camp, WWII came to an end. Bob was assigned to a transport ship that brought supplies to the troops in now occupied Japan.

Upon his discharge, he joined his father and brothers in the family business, L.N. Violette Co., where he learned the ropes building numerous homes, streets and subdivisions; all of which were built for returning GIs. These streets include Military Avenue, Cottage, Crosby and Weeks Streets in Fairfield, in Waterville, Violette Avenue and Mathews Avenue. In the 1960s and 1970s, Bob was instrumental in the growth of the business; commercial construction became its mainstay. Numerous schools, churches and banks built in the greater Waterville area and beyond, were constructed under his direction and as a result of his ingenuity and tenacity. Often times engineering firms would call upon him for advice, his knowledge and practical experience.

Bob was also very civic minded, and was an active member of the Fairfield School Board and Kiwanis Club. He served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Hinckley and the Waterville Homeless Shelter. He supported the Lawrence High Football program for many years, and later was honored to be a recipient of the Bulldog Award.

To Bob nothing was more important than his family. He gave his unconditional love and support to his seven children; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Many fond memories remain of time spent together at the Sugarloaf chalet and at his beloved camp on China Lake and vacationing in the Bahamas.

Bob leaves behind a son David (Sandy) of Winslow, Gary of Norridgewock, Kevin (Kathy) of Fairfield, Joel (Patty) of Fairfield, Peter (Jean) of Clinton, Todd (Lisa) of Winslow and daughter Donna (Pat) of Falmouth.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family mass will be held in Bob’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Children’s Home for Little Wanderers Christmas fund, or a local food bank

of your choosing.