Robert “Bob” Francis Almeder

KENNEBUNKPORT – Robert “Bob” Francis Almeder passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 19, 2026. He died of pneumonia after some years of cognitive decline. Surrounded by love until the end, he was a generous, funny, and accomplished man, as brilliant at loving his family and friends as he was in writing and teaching philosophy.

Born on Aug. 18,1939, in Boston, Mass., he was the son of George Almeder, Sr., and Kathleen “Kay” (Crossen) Almeder. He attended Randolph High School and Boston College High School before joining a Franciscan seminary and completing his undergraduate degree at St. Bonaventure. He left the seminary after discovering philosophy to attend Boston College, and there he met the love of his life, Virginia Sullivan Almeder. They moved to Philadelphia, Pa. where Bob completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy. In his distinguished career he taught at Georgia State University, was Hamilton College’s inaugural McCullough Distinguished Professor in Ethics and Political Philosophy and was a senior research fellow at the Center for History and Philosophy of Science.

As a Fulbright Senior Specialist in American Studies, he lectured and taught across the world. Former editor of “The American Philosophical Quarterly”, he specialized in philosophy of science, epistemology, and ethics. He wrote, co-authored, or edited 25 books, and published over one hundred articles.

With his family he was tender, loving, and hilarious. His favorite things included: sitting on the porch with his love, Virginia, a good beach fire, overly strong coffee, morning papers, Paris, French literature, and running (he ran three marathons). He loved opera music, especially the tenors who recalled his father’s voice. He loved fly fishing in Rangeley, where he had spent time with his father when he was young, and where later he spent special time with his own family.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Virginia Almeder; his daughter, Melanie; his daughter, Lisa and her husband Chris Paulu (aka, “favorite son-in-law”), grandsons Nicholas and Ryan Paulu; sister, Kathleen Duggan-Blair, sister-in-law, Lynda Onthank Sullivan; many nephews and nieces in whom he delighted; friends innumerable; and his cat buddy, Maya.

There will be a private memorial gathering to celebrate Bob’s life later.

To share a memory or view the full obituary, please visit Bob’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.