SACO — Dr. Robert J. Bolduc Sr., 98, of Saco, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 19, 2015 with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Biddeford on Oct. 9, 1916, the son of Joseph and Rosilda Laflamme Bolduc, and grew up on Beacon Avenue in Biddeford.

He was a member of the first graduating class of St. Louis High School, where he played football, earning the name of “Tarzan.” He became the last surviving member of his class.

Robert attended St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont and graduated from the Massachusetts College of Optometry in 1939. He began a practice which lasted for 58 years. In 1980 his son, Robert Jr., joined him in his practice, and they worked together for 18 years before his retirement in 1998.

In his early years, he enjoyed filming family outings, and in the 1960s started the practice of filming St. Louis football games in order for the team to review their strategies for the next game.

At age 70, his children decided he needed a hobby to keep him busy in semi-retirement, so they all got together and bought him a set of golf clubs. He became an avid golfer, starting first in Old Orchard Beach and then as a member of Saco Biddeford Country Club, where he was presented with a lifetime membership and golfed until the age of 95. Robert also enjoyed traveling to his condo in Florida for a few months to practice his golf game.

When the QE2 made its first voyage to the U.S. in Boston, he was very enthusiastic about the cruise he took on this majestic ship to the Caribbean islands. He also was very fond of the trip he took to Sitka, Alaska when his son, Alan, was stationed there as a coastguardsman.

He fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a boat, and spent many summers enjoying his “Cha-ro” with family and friends. At one point he was a recreational lobsterman, enjoying outings with his nephews, Bob and Dick.

Robert loved the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, especially when they were doing well. He was a dedicated optometrist and devoted family man, as the most important part of his life was his family. They meant the world to him as he did to them.

Robert was a faithful communicant and parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco.

He is preceded in death by: his parents; four sisters and a brother; as well as his first wife, June Anderson Bolduc; and his beloved youngest daughter, Kimberly Bolduc Roberts.

He is survived by: his wife of 50 years, Charlotte J. Adriance Bolduc of Saco; two sons, Dr. Robert J. Bolduc Jr. and his wife Nancy of Saco, and Alan T. Bolduc and his partner Joan of Waterboro; and two daughters, Debra Stetson and her husband Lloyd of Saco, and Lynn Jones and husband Ryan of Sarasota, Florida.

“Grandeedee” is also survived by: 13 grandchildren, Jill, Kyle, Jenna, Allison, Danielle, Brian, Meridith, Krystle, Alexandria, Justin, Victoria, Christianna, and Olivia; 10 great-grandchildren; and three close nephews, Eddie, Dick, and Bob.

Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at Hope Memorial Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 23 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.

Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005.

Memorial donations in Dr. Bolduc’s memory may be made to Donate Life of New England, 60 First St., Waltham, MA 02451.

To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.