Robert Joseph Comeau, 86, of Moncton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 18, 2018, surrounded by family, after a brief illness brought on by his battle with dementia. Born February 15, 1932 in Berwick, NS, he was the son of the late Cyril and Helen (White) Comeau.
Robert received a Lay Ministry degree in 1999 from St. FX, retired as a civil servant from DND Supply Depot No.5, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1310.
Prior to his retirement from No.5, he spent most of his life working in the parts department of several car dealerships throughout the Maritimes. In his younger years he played baseball and hockey as a goalie for a short stint with the Bathurst Papermakers in the North Shore Senior Hockey league. He was a dedicated volunteer in several aspects of the church, the Prayer Garden, Karing Kitchen, volunteered in both Moncton Minor baseball and hockey associations where his sons played, loved dancing with his beloved dance partner of 62 years, enjoyed playing cards, camping and spending the summers out at "the trailer". He was the go to, first call handyman for relatives and friends.
He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and friend.
Robert is survived by and will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Annette née Lavoie; his three children: Jackie Furneaux, Marc (Lisa), and Stephen; two sisters: Connie Willden (Gordon) and Carol Calnan (late Brian); two brothers: Cyril Comeau (Sharon) and Paul Comeau (Diane); six grandchildren: Jolene Furneaux, Monique (Lucas) Sutton, Melanie Furneaux, Amy Chisholm, Jeffrey Comeau, and Luke Comeau; five great-grandchildren: Anthony Furneaux, Aila Furneaux, Kennedy Sutton, Liam Sutton, and Peter Furneaux; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Robert is predeceased by two sisters: Anne Allain (Maurice) and infant Agatha.
The Comeau family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Thana and the staff at the QEII Emergency department and a very Special Thank You to Dr. Maia Von Maltzahn, Social Worker Haley McIntosh and the nursing staff on the 9th floor of the Abbie J. Lane Geriatric unit for their exemplary care and compassion during our stay with them. Our mom was overwhelmed by the support given.
Although his dementia was well known by everyone who knew him, he would always put a smile on people’s faces with his go to phrases of "Wonderful of you" and "You’re the best there is".
The family will receive condolences at the Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900). Visiting hours Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm only. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Family R.C. Church, 52 Falkland Drive, Moncton, Friday August 24 at 11 am. Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Dieppe.
In memory of Robert, a contribution to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.
Words of comfort and donations may be made at: www.frenettefuneralhome.com