WATERVILLE – Robert “Bob” Joseph Bilodeau, 84, passed away on Nov. 23, 2021, in Waterville. He was born in Waterville on Jan. 15, 1937, son of the late Albert and Yvette Bilodeau. Bob grew up in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School.

Bob was a wonderful, loving, devoted husband, father and brother. His family was blessed by his faith, love of music, humor, unselfish ways, generous heart, and amazing love for them. His love of life touched the lives of everyone who knew him and he will be missed greatly.

At a young age, Bob’s talents as a drummer were obvious. In the early 1950’s, as a young man in high school, he was given permission by his parents to play the drums with Fred Petra and Gerry Wright in local bars and hotels. He played at Hotel Emma where he had the opportunity to jam with the Ink Spots. He continued his professional drumming experience playing for many famous acts when they were in Maine and New York performing. He played for Brenda Lee; Myron Floren; Bobby Vinton; the New Christy Minstrels; Frank Fontaine; George Jessel; the Lennon Sisters; the Al Corey Orchestra, The Elders Dixieland Band; and many, many others. Bob also had his own trio at the Fenway Howard Johnson’s in the Hearthside Lounge for 11 years and he enjoyed playing for the Shrine Circus and the New York State Fair for many years.

Bob had a few jobs throughout his life, including a truck driver with Clausen Oil and a Foreman at LaVerdiere’s warehouse, but his passion was always drumming. He loved music! Shortly after LaVerdiere’s closed, Bob began working as the drummer in the orchestra at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH. His wife, Jeannette, also worked there as a switchboard operator. They enjoyed their time together at the hotel and continued to work there for 10 years until poor health forced them to retire in 2004.

Bob was a charter member of the Winslow Jaycees and was in the National Guard for 9 years, honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He was a former Cub Scout leader and a lifetime member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cribbage, and camping, having spent many seasons at Green Valley Campground when his children were young. He loved telling jokes, laughing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Bob was predeceased by his parents and his loving wife and soulmate of 58 years, Jeannette. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Forbes and son-in-law Jim of Benton, Maine, his son, John Bilodeau and daughter-in-law Denise of Largo, Fla.; and his sister, Sylvia Bilodeau of Waterville. He is also survived by many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, God-children and a very special friend, Lucille.

The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and all the nurses and CNAs at Lakewood Continuing Care for taking such good care of him the last few days.

Per Bob’s wishes there will be no visiting hours. A funeral mass will be held at Notre Dame Church in Waterville on Tuesday Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Bob’s memory