Robert L. Trahan

Robert Louis Trahan, age 91, due to complications from diabetes, pneumonia, and varied challenges & ailments, entered his final rest stop on the highway of life on November 1, 2017, at Ridgewood Center, Genesis Health Care in Bedford, NH.

Also known as Bob, Bobby, Bub, Mr T, Pep T, Dad, Pa, and Po, Mr Trahan is survived by Dorothy (Mo), his wife of 64 years, daughters Monica (Nicky), of Manchester, Margaret (Peggie) Brousseau, of Pawtucket, RI and son, Gary (Gare), of Manchester; Grandchildren Erin Hanson & husband Christopher, of Attleboro, MA, Henri Brousseau & wife Olivia, of Middleboro, MA, Rachel Trahan & partner Laura Jaquish, of Lancaster, KY, and Joshua Trahan, of Chicago, IL; Great Granddaughter Felicity Trahan, of Lancaster, KY; Daughter-In-Law Mary Trahan, of Lancaster, KY; Former Son-In-Law George Brousseau, of Attleboro, MA and former Daughter-In-Law Tracy Perry, of New York City, NY; and brother, Frederick Trahan, of Pawtucket, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, former in-laws, acquaintances, and passersby during his over 33,470 day journey. He is predeceased in death by his parents, Joseph and Grace Trahan, brother, Donald Trahan, of Pawtucket, RI and son, Robert Louis (Weege) Trahan, Jr, of Park Ridge, IL.

Bob was born on Friday, March 12, 1926 in Central Falls, RI and spent his youth almost entirely in Pawtucket and all his working years in the garment industry, starting with Health-Tex at 16 years old. At 17, he joined the army. Trahan legend notes that — as a slight young man — he ate five pounds of bananas in order to pass the weight restriction. He was stationed in Belgium toward the end of World War II, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning to the states, he attended Rhode Island School of Design and remained with Health-Tex for over 35 years working in Central Falls as well as in the New York City offices.

Robert and Dorothy married on July 4, 1953, enjoying the fireworks, and had four children together. They eventually settled in South Attleboro, MA, where they lived for 17 years. After leaving Health-Tex in 1977, Bob and his family moved to New Hampshire, settling in Bedford, living in the same house since 1978. During that time, he enjoyed employment with Manchester Knitted Fashions as well as Globe Firefighters Manufacturing in Pittsfield, NH until he happily retired in 1996 at 70 years old.

Bob was fiercely proud but paradoxically humble. He was a do-it-yourself, self-effacing and self-deprecating man. He was an active man, a man of faith, a good-natured man with interests as varied as camping, the Red Sox, film, attending live theatre and remodeling projects around the house. Measure twice — maybe thrice — cut once. He was a fan of the daily crossword, the Jumble, old-time radio, photography, jazz & big band music, PBS, and 1970s situation comedy. Often willing to offer a helping hand, Bob was a family man, a loving father and his family was the world to him. Po will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Msgr. John Quinn officiated. Interment with military honors followed in NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. The family would like to thank everyone for everything, big and small. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Moore Center, 195 McGregor St, #400, Manchester, NH 03102. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com.