Robert M. Witham, 85

ALTON — Robert M. Witham, 85, of Alton, passed away Feb. 15, in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the love of family and friends. After a hospice prognosis in October, Bob spent the last three and a half months embracing life, loving people and sharing his message and hope for world peace.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, in October of 1938, he was the son of the late Charles and Doris Witham. He was the middle of three children; his older sister, Donna, still lives in their childhood home in Lynn and his younger brother, Brucie, passed away in childhood. As a boy, he enjoyed boating, skating, swimming, running barefoot with friends, being a member of the Junior Tumbling Team and summering in Alton Bay. He understood the importance of a strong work ethic early on, taking jobs like raking blueberries, delivering ice to folks around the lake and working for the Downing family at Land Ho in Alton Bay. As a teen and young adult, he enjoyed sports, particularly baseball and basketball; spending time with his friends racing boats, water skiing, ice racing, dancing at Bennett's Barn and roller skating at the Bay View Pavillion; and working at McGrath's Store.

He graduated from Alton High School in 1956 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. From 1957 to 1963, he was assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps., the 101st Airborne Division, the 937th Engineer Group and the 572 Engineer Company. He served in Fontenet, France, and Bremerhaven, Germany. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Kay Lord of Wolfeboro, in 1962. Perhaps Bob's greatest joy in life came from raising his family. He and Kay had three children and later welcomed four grandchildren into their lives. Over the years, he and Kay had a home in New Hampshire and a home in Florida, and as people can attest, he loved living on the Old New Durham Road, where he spent many happy hours maintaining his big, green lawn atop his John Deere.

Over the years, Bob wore many hats. He worked as a bricklayer and shoveled sand on winter roads for the town Road Department. In the late 1960s, he became the mailman for the town of Alton, serving the community in that capacity for the next 33 years. Retirement didn't slow him down; he took a position as groundskeeper at Ellacoya State Park and worked for the Alton Cemetery Department. When in Florida for the winters, he worked at the baseball parks of the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros. Bob lived his passion for serving his community through his tenure on the Alton Volunteer Fire Department, and through his membership with the Masonic Lodge, the VFW and the Republican National Committee. He wore his volunteer hats in many venues including the Veterans Home in Tilton, his church, Special Olympics, Little League, various town events and simply by being present to the needs of people. Bob was happy to help wherever there was a need. He lent his support to the Disabled American Veterans, the Conservation of NH Forests and the NH Preservation Alliance.

Everywhere life led him, Bob took the time to listen, to hear the stories of the town and people of Alton. Great enjoyment came to him whenever he shared these stories, often making new friends with each tale told. He treasured talks at the Alton Historical Society and writing books about the "Bye Gone Daze." Bob's life in Alton and his love for the history of the area earned him the title of "Alton's Amateur Historian." Most recently, in tune with his love for history, he purchased a 1930 Model A. A sign on the car read, "Bob Witham 'Raconteur' Past, Present and Future." He envisioned parking it down at Alton Bay, having people ask him about the town and sharing the amazing stories he came to know across his lifetime. Bob was predeceased by his parents, brother and wife Kay. His legacy will live on through his children, Lorri Witham Setaro (Christopher), Lisa Witham and Rob Witham, and grandchildren, Emily Catherine Witham, Angelo Setaro, Danny Witham and Andrea Setaro as well as the many friends who became family.

Services

Calling hours at the Peaslee Alton Funeral Home, 12 School St., Alton, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Church service at the Alton Community Church on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m.

A celebration of life and reception will follow the Wednesday service at the American Legion, Post 72, 164 Wolfeboro Hwy, Alton. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tilton Veterans Home; checks can be made to Tilton Veterans Home Residents' Benefit Fund, addressed to the same at 139 Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276. Or donations to New Hampshire Special Olympics, online at sonh.org/ways-to-give/donate; by check to Special Olympics New Hampshire, P.O. Box 3598, Concord, NH 03302.

To express condolences, visit peasleefuneralhome.com.