Robert ‘Bob’
Neilson, Sr., 67
AUBURN — Robert Burns Neilson, Sr., 67, of New Gloucester died at the Hospice House on Jan. 30, 2013, in Auburn after a period of declining health.
He was born on Jan. 6, 1946 in St. Louis, Mo., a son of Arthur and Janet (Bulger) Neilson. He was educated in St. Louis schools and graduated from Taylor School, Class of 1964.
Shortly after graduating Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and enjoyed a 20 year career in education and antisubmarine warfare. After his enlistment the family returned to Maine and Bob began a 23 year career with L.L. Bean.
Bob enjoyed sailing and fly fishing. He was known to be able to fix just about anything and was an engineer at heart. He had a great sense of humor and was known as a first rate punster – every pun intended. He possessed a poet’s eye and ear and the generosity and heart of a teacher. Bob had a special fondness for the family retreat in Pentwater, Mich.
Bob will be remembered for his great love of his wife Maggie, his fairness in all things, his openness and acceptance of others, his practicality, diplomacy and overall generosity of spirit.
Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret ‘Maggie’ (Shenk) Neilson of New Gloucester; his daughter Mary Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Mazzillo and her husband Christopher of Mechanic Falls, his son Robert Burns Neilson, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Danville; his four grandchildren, Megan, Arthur, Christopher and Robert III; his great-grandson Louis V; his brother Hugh Neilson and his wife Pat, his sister Janet Wells and his brother Bill, all of St. Louis, Mo., his sisters-in-law, Karen Neilson, Carmen Neilson, Janet Chipman and her husband Keith, Jamie Shenk and a large extended family. He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Neilson; and his brothers Arthur and Dennie and his brother-in-law Bill Shenk.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday Feb. 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the New Gloucester First Congregational Church, 19 New Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester.
Bob and i were on crew 2 together in 1966 and flew Sp-2H together. Many of flights would have been cancelled if it was not for Bob. He made Duct tape and safety wire famous.
- Lunch with the group
Bob was an excellent crewmember and friend. Maggie was lucky to have had him. He gave a valiant fight with his illness and will suffer no longer. Sorry for your loss, Maggie & family!
I was also a proud member of CAC-2 on the last deployent that VP-23 made in the P2V-7 Aircraft. Bob was an amazing techicican and often re-routed ducts, tubes and wires to keep systems working. He was the only man I’ve ever known who could correctly call out a submarine from a small blip on the radar. One unusual thing I remember about Bob is that when he woke up in the morning he would go to his locker and get Q-tips and clean his ears, all the while making almost orgasmic noises. It always made me laugh. I also remember that he loved Maggie dearly. Even way back them. To my old crew mate I wish you “Fair winds and following Seas” Rest in peace my friend. To the rest of the Crew, know that when we get to meet Bob in Heaven all of Heavens operational systems will be up and running.
Maggie and Family .. Our deepest and sincere sympathy on hearing of BOB’s passing. Seeing the picture of our get together at the Sea Dogs in Topsham brings out a lot of great memories. We have a lot of memories of VP-23 and Siganella Sicily. Sorry we will not be able to attend the
services as we are in Indiana now. BOB will be missed by all..
Could someone please identify the people in the picture? I sure would like to know who they are.
laft to right is Chris Evebergen crew 9, bob and Maggie crew 2, Don (Hawg) Turner crew 2 and his wife, and me, tom mixon