Robert J. Dever, 85

MEREDITH — Robert Joseph Dever, known to all as “Joe,” passed away peacefully at his home on Blueberry Hill on Jan. 20, 2026, just four days shy of his 86th birthday.

Born in Laconia, on Jan. 24, 1940, Joe spent his life rooted in the Lakes Region, shaping and serving the Meredith community he loved.

Joe was the son of John Dever Sr. and Regina (Valliere) Dever, and was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Patricia Dever Carpenter.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Judith (Staples) Dever; his daughter Elizabeth Dever; his grandchildren Derek and Jesse Mitchell; his daughter Regina Quinn; and his grandchildren Jacqueline, Stephanie and Victoria Quinn; his nephew, Sean Carpenter, and Sean’s daughters Qwen and Shae Carpenter; a brother, John Dever Jr., and his wife Dawn (Wyatt) Dever; and a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

A member of the Inter-Lakes High School class of 1958, Joe joined the Navy Reserve while still a student and went on active duty with the U.S. Navy Seabees after graduation. He embodied the Seabee spirit — resourceful, hardworking, and community minded — traits that stayed with him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Joe worked for the Meredith Post Office for 28 years. After the passing of his father in 1989, he took over the family business and later founded his own venture, R. Joseph Dever Services. Known for his reliability, humor, and strong work ethic, Joe built lasting connections through every job he undertook.

Deeply proud of his alma mater, Joe was an active and dedicated member of the Meredith Inter-Lakes Alumni Association for 62 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, including president, vice president and treasurer. His commitment to community extended far beyond the school. Joe served on the Meredith Parks and Recreation Commission, contributing to the efforts that led to the approval of the town’s Community Center. He was also a long-standing member of the Seabee Island X4 (Laconia), Meredith Lions Club, the Laconia Elks, and the American Legion.

Joe enjoyed life with an easygoing spirit. He loved golfing and watching NASCAR with friends, traveling widely, and spending countless days camping across the country with family and loved ones. Raised on Meredith Neck, Joe later built his family home on Blueberry Hill in Meredith, creating a gathering place filled with laughter, memories and love.

Joe will be remembered for his steady presence, his kindness, and the genuine care he showed to everyone he encountered. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, and the many people whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, May 9, at the Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive, where family and friends are invited to gather in Joe’s memory.

In keeping with his family’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held separately.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Joe’s memory to the Meredith Inter-Lakes Alumni Association, 1 Laker Lane, Meredith, NH 03253, or to a veteran’s organization of your choosing, honoring his lifelong commitment to service.

The family welcomes stories and memories of Joe. If you would like to share one, please email Beth Dever at bdever63@yahoo.com.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.