Robert J. Grenier

WATERVILLE – On Nov. 20, 2025, Robert J. Grenier of Waterville peacefully transitioned with his beloved daughters and loved ones by his side.

Born May 9, 1949, in Waterville. The third oldest of 11 children, the family lived between Maine and California in his young life.

Bobby enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969, he served two tours in the Vietnam war as a combat engineer building bridges-where he earned a Purple Heart. After being injured he came back to Maine wounded but not broken.

Bobby was a third generation flooring contractor taught by his father and opened a very successful flooring company- GCFD Inc. which meant two things- Grenier’s Classic Flooring & Design and God Can Fulfill Dreams. He shared his many talents with everyone he encountered often pushing harder to get the job done. His work ethic was meticulous. While working many residential & commercial jobs during his career he taught the trade to his children and many others. Working side by side both of his daughters at various times.

Bobby’s passion for sunshine, travel and the beach led him to many places but most importantly, one of his favorite places, Myrtle Beach. The Beach Cove resort in Myrtle Beach was his happy place, where he enjoyed picking seashells, long walks on the beach, and camping with his daughter Hope in her younger years.

In his later years, once retired from his successful flooring business he spent the last four years using his talents and custom designs to renovate houses with his daughter Sarah. Often leaving a little bit of himself in each house with built-in shelves or a beam with handmade dowels. One very special renovation was the camp they purchased on Webber Pond that they designed together and worked tirelessly on. There he enjoyed sitting by the water, boat rides, time with family, and a good BBQ.

Bobby was always the star of the show whether it was rolling up in his convertible, a.k.a “The Sporty” with his American flags flying on the back and blues music blasting, or pulling up in his truck hauling some kind of equipment.

Bobby was a natural teacher who motivated everyone around him to learn more and push harder with a favorite phrase “I got the Power”! He taught his daughters and grandchildren to play chess all at very young ages and also hand crafted chess boards with tile. His prized possession was his Fat Boy Harley Davidson motorcycle that had a custom paint job of a chess game in check mate with a perfectly matching license plate “ChkMate”. He loved to ride his Harley all over, from Maine to Myrtle Beach and then some. In his spare time, he enjoyed the views at camp, wood working on his lathe, making unique custom designs, building special “pockets” or recessed picture shelving in his dream house, driving the Bobcat or skid-steer, clearing trees out back, photography, attending Hopes sporting events, renovating houses with Sarah, spending time with his grandkids, watching the fire place, puttering around the warehouse, or listening to Blues – specifically BB King or Beth Hart and showing off some moves.

No job was too big or challenge too hard, he made things happen regardless. He was never afraid of anything, always strong and brave. He’d give the shirt off his back for anyone and was uplifting anyone who would listen. The word “cant” wasnt in his vocabulary. If there was a will , there was a way. Bobby made a lasting impression on everyone he met and had many long lasting friendships that extended decades. He was very well known and respected in his community.

He wore many hats and had many nicknames. Bobby G, Bumble, Stumble Bumble, Wobbly Bobbly, Daddy Bobbles to name a few, but the best name of all was Dad. He was a girl dad through and through always making sure his girls were okay.

He was predeceased by his parents Gloria and Real Grenier, siblings Jimmy and David Grenier, Patti Cohen and his beloved Stacey McDonald, a dear extended family member.

He is survived by his loving daughters and their families; Sarah Lee Donnell or “Queen Bee”, son-in-law Jason Donnell who he shared a special bond with, and his grandson Mason that he adored. Hope Angel Dube-Grenier who was his baby girl or “Baby Bee” and granddaughter Kamariah Lee-Angel that he adored as well. Bobby, Sarah, and Hope are collectively known as the “Bee Hive”. Honorary daughter, Ashley Sweet. Son, Dan Grenier and granddaughter Kate Grenier, siblings Daniel, Mark, Jeff, Stevie, and Richard Grenier, Donna Cryder and Carol Cummings. Many extended family, as well as some great longtime friends, coworkers, and neighbors that he made incredible memories with. Bobby was a special guy, a force to be reckoned with, a lover and a fighter, and will forever be with us.

Please join us for Bobby’s final tour of duty at Governors Restaurant in the Capital Room in Waterville on December 13, from 12-3 p.m.