Robert “Bob” E. Greely

SIDNEY – Robert “Bob” E. Greely, 100, passed peacefully on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.

Born in Gardiner, Maine, on Jan. 6, 1926. Bob graduated from Gardiner High School in 1944, where he pitched on the baseball team. Known for his fast arm, he earned the nickname “Grease Greely.”

During World War II, Bob served honorably in the U.S. Army in France and Germany. He was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded by shrapnel.

Upon returning home to Maine, he worked a variety of jobs, including bank courier, file clerk, and orderly at the State Hospital. It was there that he met the love of his life, nurse Frances Baron. They married and went on to raise five children, all of whom inherited Bob’s quick wit and warm sense of humor.

Bob made a long career as a carrier with the United States Postal Service. Always curious and eager to learn, he pursued and earned a degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine while working. After retirement, he continued his service to the State of Maine in Aroostook County as a child protective worker for the then Maine Department of Human Services. He also later served as a local President of A.A.R.P.

Bob lived life fully. He was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, hiking, and fishing. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, and especially treasured gatherings with his brother and extended family at their camp in Carroll. For several years, he hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail with family and friends, crossed the Mount Katahdin knife edge several times, and had a lifelong love of dogs—particularly Laddie and his last canine companion, Baxter. Bob and Frances enjoyed traveling together, vacationing in Florida, visiting Alaska twice, and exploring many state parks throughout the United States.

In 2024, Bob was the honored recipient of the Boston Post Cane Award in Sidney, Maine. He was proud of this award and was moved by the standing ovation at the ceremony.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He was loving, kind, and deeply committed to those he cared for.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Bion and Faith Greely; his brothers Bion (“Toods”), Alfred (“Boone”), and Alvin (“Buddy”), his sister Glenna Nowell; his son-in-law Alan Clark; his nephew Charles Greely; and his great-nephew Michael Greeley.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 74 years, Frances; his children Mary Pierce and her husband John H. Pierce III of Oakland, Laurene Ballard and her husband Lance Ballard of Sidney, David Greely and his wife Anne Greely of Madrid, Ellen Clark of Sidney, and Holly Pomelow and her husband Donald Pomelow of Vassalboro; his sister-in-law Margaret Greeley; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Rest in peace, Bob. You’ve earned it.

A military graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 19. 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery. 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, Maine.

We invite you all to share your cherished memories of Robert and upload photos to the memorial page at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the impact Robert had on our lives. As we journey through this time of grief, let us remember Robert as he was – a man with a heart full of love and a life full of service.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine.