Robin L. Strese, 76

GILMANTON — Robin Lee Strese, 76, of Ridgewood Drive, passed away on May 12, 2026, at his home.

Born on Jan. 28, 1950, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Robin lived an active life marked by dedication, love and service.

Robin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from Jan. 17, 1969, until April 13, 1973, or as he preferred to say, 4 years, 3 months, 28 days, achieving the rank of sergeant. After his military service, he built a successful career in the electronics industry, where he held various positions in purchasing for multiple companies, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and integrity in his work.

Robin loved the great outdoors. He had a passion for golf. In his younger years, he was a force to be reckoned with on the course. Retirement found him working part-time at both Laconia and Loudon Country Clubs, enabling him to continue his love for the sport. Skiing was another activity that brought a smile to his face. His favorite spots in New England were Wildcat, Cannon and Okemo. He and Cheryl also had the opportunity to travel to Europe and ski both in Innsbruck, Austria, and from Cervinia, Italy, into Zermatt, Switzerland. Robin also had a short retirement stint as a lift operator at Gunstock Mountain.

Living in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire certainly included water — and lots of it. Whether tubing with his girls on Locke Lake, or jumping in the boat with any guest that visited, Robin truly thrived as captain of the ship. When the cold weather arrived, you could find him on a snowmobile continuing to use the frozen water as his playground. Vacations would take the family to the ocean, both on the coast of Maine where he was head chef of every tenting camp site and to Cape Cod, where he loved to photograph sunsets. Being in and around water brought him a great deal of happiness.

In his retirement, Robin and Cheryl were blessed with many opportunities to travel. Whether jumping on a cruise, spending time along the Gulf Coast of Florida, exploring the Outer Banks of North Carolina, driving the length of the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, chasing waterfalls in upstate New York, driving through the Four Corner states of the southwest and visiting many of our country’s national parks, or exploring the beautiful Pura Vida offered during their trips to Costa Rica, Robin’s excitement was plain for all to see.

Robin is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Strese; daughters Heather Morneau of Bradenton, Florida, Beth and her husband Clayton Sowell of Safety Harbor, Florida, Kristin and her husband Bryan O’Sullivan of Tilton, and Emily Strese and her significant other Paul Bryant of Jacksonville, Florida; brother Robert and his wife Karen Strese of Northport, Florida; sister Janet Ensign of Kingsport, Tennessee; his cherished grandson Kian O’Sullivan; along with several nieces and nephews.

Robin is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Mary Jane (Benoit) Strese.

Robin’s adventurous spirit, warm smile and boundless excitement for life will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 19, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen. All who wish to attend are welcome. There will be a celebration of life luncheon immediately following.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team at Granite VNA for the compassionate care they provided. Their patience, kindness and professionalism were truly exceptional and brought great comfort to Robin and his family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Robin's memory to Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301, granitevna.org/donate, or New Hampshire Veterans Home, 139 Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276.

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