TOPSHAM – CPO Robert R. Lupfer of Topsham, passed on this May 15, 2019, after a long and hard battle with cancer, with his loving wife, Leanne by his side. He was born August 12, 1935, to Samuel and Grace (Horton) Lupfer. Robert attended schools in Litchfield, Minn. During his high school days he played on and student managed the football and basketball teams, was a member of the National Honor Society, The National Thespian Society, was in the marching band and the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps.

After high school Robert entered the University of Minnesota. Because of the turbulent times our world was experiencing, he only spent one semester there and decided to join the Navy in February 1954. Robert attended boot camp at Great Lakes and then went on to learn aviation electronics and advanced electronics training for the Super Connie at Keesler AFB. He trained flight crews and served as an electronics instructor. Robert earned his ASW Air Crew Wings with VP-9 in Alameda, Calif. During that tour he was on one of the planes that took part in the atomic bomb testing in the pacific, which affected his health in later years. Robert was a member of the attack squadron in Lemore, Calif. His last transfer was in 1968 to Fleet Augmentation unit of CPWP where he went to Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.

While there, he was in charge of six mobile maintenance units that would test and repair all the P-3 aircraft that flew out of Vietnam. He achieved Vietnam service medal with bronze star. After returning to the states, Robert was assigned as logistics adviser on the staff of CPWP where he finished his Navy career in September of 1974. He then took a job with Tracor Applied Science as tech support for the squadrons at CPW 5 which brought him to NAS Brunswick. After 18 years at Tracor, Robert retired and became a short order cook for The Townlanding in Bowdoinham and Emily’s Restaurantat at some of the fairs throughout Maine. He tended bar and cooked for MWR on BNAS at the Chiefs Club and the Enlisted Club. He was a member of the American Legion post 202 for 45 years, as well as the Fleet Reserve for 38.

Robert loved his wife Leanne, all of his large family, his cats, woodworking, fishing, auctions, and good food.

Robert was predeceased by his parents; and two daughters, Mary Keller and Louise Wilson; and one great grandchild.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Leanne Lupfer; son, Robert Ray Lupfer Jr. and wife, Carole of California, daughter, Virginia Grace Foster and husband, Melvin of Washington, son, Samuel Lupfer and wife, Dorine of Florida and stepdaughter, Kristen Anderson and husband, Tyler of Maine; as well as 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Bay View Cemetery, Rte. 24 Bowdoinham on June 15 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at the American Legion Post 202 in Topsham.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Roberts name to the Midcoast Humane Society or a Veterans organization of your choice.