OBITUARY
Robert L. Chadbourn Jr.
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On
June 30th
Robert L. Chadbourn Jr. – (Bobby C. or Pop Pop– as he was affectionately called)
“assumed room temperature” (this was added per his request) at his home in
Strafford, NH.
His death was sudden, and he did not suffer.
He left behind his wife of 26 years, Sally
Knowlton, sons Robert L. Chadbourn III & his significant other Destiny Felch,
Timothy H. Chadbourn, and Ryan H. Chadbourn & wife Norryn Busingye. He also left
behind stepdaughters: Sarah Holden-Mount & her wife Julie Rhodovi, Amanda Mount,
and 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and brothers Gary Lang & wife Lois,
and Wayne Chadbourn. He was pre-deceased by his parents Viva and Robert L.
Chadbourn, his precious granddaughter Madalyn I. Chadbourn aged 15, and precious
newborn grandson Grafton S. Holden-Mount, and by 3 other siblings: Stanley Lang,
Sylvia Lang, and Sandra Wood.
Bob was the solid rock for the
family including many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was born
in Rochester, attended Strafford Schools, and graduated from Spaulding High
School where he was Captain of the football team in his senior year.
He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University, flew private planes and went on to work at Eastern Airlines in
various hubs.
Bob often joked that he started working at
Chadbourn’s Restaurant at age 11 washing dishes and his last day in 2011 he was
still washing dishes.
Chadbourn’s had a solid run of 50 years.
It was briefly sold out of the family and then
reopened in 1997 under Bob’s supervision. Bob was an amazing cook not just at
the restaurant but at home.
He often donated food to friends and families
in need. Chadbourn’s was known for its delicious entrees, especially steak tips.
Customers enjoyed Bob’s music Friday night,
Saturday night, and at the Sunday breakfast buffet.
Bob was an incredibly talented piano player.
Music flowed through him, and it truly was his
spiritual gift.
He played at many weddings, and charitable
local events and at his home for pure enjoyment.
Often neighbors would stand outside the house
to hear Bob tickle the ivories.
Bob and Sally were lucky to
travel extensively during retirement and completed a World Cruise in 2024. They
also enjoyed their work at Parker-French Antiques, Northwood, NH. His quick wit
and ability to tell great Down East Yankee tales endeared him to his patrons and
friends. Bob was a man of incredible kindness.
Soft spoken he modeled “generosity of spirit”
in all that he did.
His sudden death is a tragic loss to his
family, and the greater community.
We will miss him dearly!!