ROBERT ARTHUR COURTEMANCHE

Robert Arthur (Bob) Courtemanche, 84, of Hagerstown, MD passed away Saturday May 7, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. Born January 18, 1938, in Methuen, Massachusetts, he was the oldest son of the late Jeannette A. and Robert C. Courtemanche. Bob and his wife, Anne, moved to the Hagerstown community in 2006. Bob was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Methuen, MA and Brown University in Providence, RI. He played football for both Brown and his high school teams. Following his graduation from Brown, he entered the Marine Corps. Bob spent his 21-year career with the Marines serving in Viet Nam and at various bases throughout the U.S. In order to maintain his physical fitness, during his service, he was a marathon runner, and played inter-squadron baseball and golf when he found the time. He retired as a Lt Colonel from Headquarters Marine Corps in the Washington, DC area. While still in the Marine Corps, Bob continued his education and obtained a Master’s Degree from University of Maryland. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he expanded his career focus by working in human services. He was director of the Prince Georges County Mental Health Association and an Executive with Volunteers of America where he served as a Commissioned Minister. Although always putting his family and friends first, Bob was known for his community generosity. He volunteered at a variety of organizations principally with the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum and the University of Maryland Extension Service as a Master Gardener. He made donations to local, community, national and international organizations supporting health and wellness. Bob enjoyed cooking, gardening, and woodworking and was renowned locally for making homemade gifts and crafts such as artisan breads, garden harvest products, ice cream, lettuce tables, benches and other woodworking handicrafts. He enjoyed a variety of activities and sports including a lifelong love of football and baseball, live theatre, canoeing, camping, bluegrass music, extensive travel in his 20’ Roadtrek motorhome along with observing and photographing the natural world- especially birds. Bob was known for his timely, witty humor, and corny Dad-jokes. He is greatly missed by his wife of 29 years, Anne; his four children: Claire and husband Paul Tumminello, Denise and husband Paul Springmann, David Coutremanche and wife Melissa Sowden, Margot and husband Sean Brown; his 2 stepdaughters: Sandra Waggoner, Susan and husband Shayne DiMarino; and his eight grandchildren: Joseph, Corihanna, Dakota, Christion, Anthony, Alexandra, Django and Sabina; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Camile C. Roberge, and preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Daniel Courtemanche and former spouse, Lucette Dumas. A kind, loving and steadfast presence, Bob was a go-to source for sound advice. He was a role-model for his family and friends. Integrity was his moto. To honor Bob’s memory donations can be made to Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, or Holly House both in Washington County, MD or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.