BANGOR – Robert J. Mersinger Jr. “Bob” “R.J.” died June 4, 2007, at a Bangor hospital after a cour-ageous, 10-year battle with cancer. Bob was born Sept. 10, 1938, in Pittsburgh, the son of Jessie Connolly and Robert J. Mersinger, who both predeceased him. The family moved south, where Bob graduated from high school and attended college in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He worked as an AC mechanic, linesman and apprentice carpenter, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, Sept. 8, 1961. After attending Bomb Naval System Mechanic School at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, he was assigned to the 397th Bomb Wing, SAC at Dow Air Force Base, Bangor. He was privileged with a tour at Moron Air Force Base, Spain, and received an honorable discharge, Sept. 7, 1967. Bob’s skills as a master carpenter and general contractor are evidenced with a unique home design concept he introduced to the area. Several examples of which can be found along Kenduskeag Avenue. Further evidence can also be found locally, with a Monterrey Dome that he was very proud of. Bob cherished the elevated tree house that he built on his island on Brewer Lake, and often shared it with his friends and family. Over his lifetime as an adventurous entrepreneur with many passions, he owned and operated several service stations, a car rental company, Bronzage tanning salon, a local marina and boatyard, both residential and commercial properties, and was co-owner and developer of one of the first Bangor based import-export flying services. As a licensed pilot, he combined his loves of adventure and business by retailing and transporting the freshest produce, lobsters and seafood, both coast to coast and into Mexico and Canada. Bob’s interests also included a great love for hot rods, classic and sports cars; owning building and maintaining all throughout his lifetime. His love for the water was evidenced by his ownership of many types and sizes of craft. He shared this and many passions with his daughter, Sarah, also known as “Boo” or “PB,” meaning precious boo; naming a sailboat and all his latest small craft in her honor. Bob especially treasured spend-ing his time with Sarah cruising around in boats and cars going to cruise-ins and car shows. Bob will be remembered as a “truly unusual” individual, as he would have put it. He had a big heart and a love for both life and people of diverse cultures. He had a great spiritual sense of family and a unique gift and very special love for children. He is recognized as a mentor and father figure to many young men and women, now adults carving their niche in society. He had a great intellect and social aware-ness exhibited in his extensive library of books and music. Bob is survived by one daughter, Sarah Jessie Mersinger; Katherine Rajala, the mother of their daughter; Michael Rajala, brother of Sarah; Christopher Pattershall, a son to Bob, his wife, Rachelle and their sons, Kaden and Lucas. He is also survived by some of his closest friends and confidants, Joseph Jones, Bob and Elaine Small, Dino Levi, Joe Mizda, Bruce Emerson, Gerry Ledwith, Ron Nystrom, Richard Speake, Rusty Coffee, Larry Bowden, and he reserved a special place in his heart for Ambre Noel, Denise Sudborough, Jennifer Ambrose, Paul, Shawn and Scott Rich. Bob truly appreciated his friends of Bill W., who have truly helped and supported him along his journey. Bob touched so many lives, we the family express our deep regret for those dear friends we may have failed to honor properly. Visiting hours will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, June 8, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, French Street, Bangor, with the Rev. John Wingert, interim rector, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the church vestry after the service. Those who wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts in his memory as tribute to the excellent and compassionate care provided to the entire medical staff at St. Joseph Healthcare, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, ME 04402-1638. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.Brookings-Smith.com
ROBERT JOSEPH MERSINGER JR.
