A. Robert “Bob” Castonguay

WINSLOW – A. Robert “Bob” Castonguay, formerly of 5 Lee Street, Winslow, died Dec. 8, 2022. in Richmond, Virginia.

Bob was born April 18, 1925 in Waterville, son of the late Alfred and Bernice (Poulin) Castonguay. A resident of Winslow for more than 82 years, Bob was an active communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and was employed by the General Services Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

Bob cherished his time with family and friends, and was a devoted Grampy to his four grandchildren. Always on the go, Bob loved his “projects”, from building back yard playground sets for his grandchildren to helping out with home repairs and maintenance. Bob’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for projects were rooted in his love for the people in his life, in shared experiences and companionship.

Upon retiring in 1984, Bob became more active in wider community service that included assisting the elderly and the disabled. In March 1992, he was honored as a Local Winner of the Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Public Service, as one of the “Unsung Heroes” for his lifetime example of achievements and contributions through community and public service.

Bob served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a heavy machine gun squad leader in the European theater with the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division. He returned to active duty during the Korean conflict, serving with the 33rd Infantry Regiment. After his discharge, he served with several active Army Reserve Units, and as a Senior Instructor with the 417th Training Group 76th Division. Over his distinguished military career, Bob’s awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, among others. Always ready to serve, Bob was an active life member of the MacCrillis-Rousseau Post 8835 VFW and of the Bourque-Lanigan Post #5, American Legion.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Maude (Douglass) Castonguay, whom he married July 4, 1951. He is survived by his brother, Kenneth Castonguay of Redondo Beach, Calif.; son David (Kathleen) Castonguay of Mechanicsburg, Pa. and daughter Linda (Thomas) Nicholson of Richmond, Va.; grandchildren Benjamin (Erin) Nicholson, Emily Nicholson, Andrew (Jackie) Castonguay, and Samuel (MaryGrace) Castonguay; great-grandchildren (William, Fiona, James Nicholson); sisters-in-law Sandra Macklin (David) of Hampden and Sally (Peter) Enman of Bangor; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, at 10 a.m., on Monday, July 3, 2023, followed by a graveside service at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family encourages donations in Bob’s memory in support of the Maine Veterans Home, Augusta, http://www.mainevets.org/donate-to-maine-veterans-homes-2/

to the Veterans Services Foundation http://www.virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org/donation/

in support of the Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center, Richmond, Va., or to an organization

of one’s choice.