Robert Wallace Sanborn's Obituary
Robert (Smokey) W. Sanborn died at his home in Leesburg, Florida on January 15, 2025. He passed peacefully surrounded by family.
Robert was born in Island Pond Vermont to parents Everett and Eva Sanborn. He lived his early years in Island Pond and attended Brighton Elementary and Brighton High Schools. His years of service began at the age of 16, working for the Vermont Fire Warden’s Service as a resident lookout at the Monadnock Mountain fire tower. During those years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Robert would go on to enlist in the United States Coast Guard. During this time Robert met and married Joan Purington. Together they raised their family on the coast of Maine. Robert served for 22 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate. After leaving the military Robert and his family made down east Maine their permanent home. Robert would continue his time on the water as a lobster fisherman. He went on to become a Master Plumber until he retired. During retirement he spent his time ice fishing and gardening while spending time with his growing family. Joan passed away in 2009, after more than 50 years of marriage. In 2011 Robert met and married Barbara Pratt of Island Pond. They spent the first four years of their marriage in Columbia Falls, Maine. In 2015 they moved to Leesburg, Florida to escape the cold and have spent the last 9 years enjoying the Florida sunshine.
He is preceded in death by his parents Everett and Eva Sanborn, his first wife Joan, his twin daughters Eva and Ava, his three brothers, two sisters and several extended family members.
Robert is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his daughter Renee Townsend (Darrell), his sons Raymond (Patricia), Robert (Terry), Reginald (Tarnya), Ronald (Jaylene) and Richard; his step children Sherry Green (John), Steven Pratt (Amanda) and Laurie Duggan (John); his sister Helen Dalphonse; his sisters in law Patricia Dennison, Judy Purington, Jean Hinkley, and Linda Bresette (Michael); 21 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephew and friends.
Services will be held in the early summer in Island Pond, Vermont.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of their choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?