Robert P. Waterman – Age 91, of Topsham, ME, passed away quietly on Saturday, May 28, the two-year anniversary of his beloved wife, Sylvia (Holland) Waterman’s, death.

Raised in Brookline, MA, Bob met Sylvia at Boston University when he returned from his years of service in the Army Air Forces during WWII. (On the occasion of his 90th birthday, Bob’s daughters arranged for a tree to be planted in his honor in a park in Manduria, Italy, dedicated to the B-24 crews that flew in the 450th Bombardment Group).

Bob and Syl, a devoted pair with a circle of dear friends across decades, had 65 happy years together, residing in Natick, Newton, and West Yarmouth, MA and in Delray Beach, FL before settling in Topsham in 2009.

They adored their two daughters, Myra W. Korin and Amy E. Waterman; grandchildren Joshua H. Korin and Oriana M. Korin, granddaughter-in-law Amy (Ravit) Korin, and great-grandson Simon Bennett Korin. Sylvia grew up in Calais, ME, and many summer vacations were spent at a family cottage in Red Beach.

Bob worked as a manufacturer’s representative in the housewares industry and later owned two car rental franchises. After retiring, he was a popular volunteer, working with young Head Start children in Florida and delivering Meals on Wheels on Cape Cod. For many years, Sylvia worked as a receptionist-assistant in a physician’s office. She loved puzzles and was a sensational wordsmith before, in later life, Alzheimer’s deprived her of some skills – but not of her warmth and humor. Bob doted on Syl and cared for her tenderly throughout her illness. He’d always say that she was the creative one. If so, then few could compare to Bob’s love of movies, ardor for the Patriots, or passion for people.

Legendary for his affability, humor, and kindness, he was an inveterate flirt, fond of the many staff members at The Highlands, who returned his affection in spades. We will all miss his joie de vivre.

Funeral service for Bob will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2, at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, followed by burial in Temple Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, 2690 Centre Street, West Roxbury. A less formal memorial will be scheduled locally.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Highlands Residents’ Assistance Fund.