Robert P. Loranger

He was born in Manchester on June 4, 1946, the son of Harry and Flora (St. Onge) Loranger. He was educated in the Manchester school system and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1969. After college, he went to Pittsburgh as a volunteer for VISTA, Volunteers in Service to America. He then earned his master's degree in social science at the University of Pittsburgh.

By 1979, Bob had moved back to New Hampshire - working first for Rockingham Community Action, then for the governor's office on a home weatherization program and then on a program helping migrant farm laborers find steady jobs.

Within two years, Bob was running Salem's welfare department. He held this position for 27 years until his recent retirement.

Bob was extremely active in community affairs and dedicated his life to helping those most in need. He was a board member of the NH Youth Workers' Association, the Salem Youth Committee, the Exchange Club as well as Salem's Boys & Girls Club. He was president of the Greater Salem Human Service Council and chairman of the Salem Health Committee.

Bob founded Success by Six and the Greater Salem Caregivers. These two organizations are proof of his tireless efforts to help people within his community with obvious limitations. He was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Salem in April of this year for his dedication.

He enjoyed hiking, dancing, traveling, and watching UNH Hockey.

Family members include his brothers, Rick Loranger of North East, PA, Harry Loranger Jr. of Bedford, NH, Tom Loranger of Bedford, NH, Marc Loranger of Boscawen, NH, and Pete Loranger of Manchester; two sisters, Doris Gordon of Jensen Beach, FL and Judy Pratte of Manchester; his aunt, Lillian Roy of Goffstown, NH; many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Catherine of Siena Church, corner of Hemlock and Webster Streets, Manchester, on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Committal prayers followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Goffstown Rd, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army's Union Leader Santa Fund, PO Box 9555, Manchester, NH, 03108 or to the Salvation Army's Lawrence Eagle Tribune Santa Fund, 100 Turnpike St, North Andover, MA, 01845.