MADISON – Robert “Bob” VanGorden Sr. passed away peacefully, on April 11, 2024, with his wife Brooke by his side.

Bob was born Sept. 27, 1956, to Louise and Robert VanGorden in New York. He lived a great life, full of travel, family, golf and a sincere love of The Yankees as well as his love for his many friends.

Bob joined the Coast Guard in 1975, where he served for 22 years – achieving the status of Chief Boatswain Mate. He loved every minute of the Coast Guard, and would beam with pride, as he would sit and tell his grandsons stories of his many adventures. After the Coast Guard he went back to college, attained an Associates Degree in Business from Kennebec Valley Community College. He then went on to lead a successful career with the Social Security Administration. He finally retired in 2012 and went on to live his best days with his best friend and wife Brooke, as they purchased their dream home on Wesserunsett Lake.

Bob loved many things, but nothing quite as much as a great day on the boat with his family, and loyal 4-legged companions, Salty and Boson, by his side. He was always a kid at heart, he even tore his rotator cuff tubing with his son and grandsons in his late 50’s! When he wasn’t on the boat, on a sunny day, you could find Bob at the golf course, playing a round of 9 with his buddies. On Friday nights you could often find him playing cards with the guys. He loved to travel, going to Florida every spring, taking day trips to the beautiful Maine Coast, or just getting away for the weekend. Bob loved to be where the sun was shining, and the beer was cold.

His pride and joy were his sons, Bobby and Nathan, and his grandkids, Owhen, Finnigan and Keelyn, as well as his “inherited” grandkids, Kaylyn Folsom, Evan Faulkner, Emmitt Bowers and Ethan Bowers. He loved every moment spent with them, telling them stories, “ghost hunting” or just taking family trips. Being with his family, always put a mile wide smile on his face.

Bob is survived by his wife Brooke; sons Bobby and wife Cass, Nathan and wife Chelsea; grandchildren Owhen, Finnigan and Keelyn VanGorden; his sisters Betty and husband Warren Heidt of Virginia, Louann and husband John Frank of New York, and brother Gary and his wife Keri of New York; as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.

There will be a private ceremony for the immediate family.



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