FORT MYERS, Fla. – Robert C. Umberger Sr., 91, formerly of West Rockport and Bangor, passed away June 18, 2012, at HOPE Hospice, Fort Myers, Fla. He was born May 23, 1921, in Pittsburgh.
He grew up in Salem, Ohio, and graduated from Salem High School. He enlisted the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor and flew 30 combat missions, lead crew, with the renowned 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group “Hells Angels,” receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. Later in life he was active with the 8th Air Force Association, 303rd Group reunions, and was a member of Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Maine Aviation Historical Society. While briefly stationed at Dow Field, Bangor, before heading to the war front, he met Jaye I. Sleight, who volunteered at the Bangor USO. In 1945, they married in Salem, Mass., but soon chose to make their home in Maine. Robert graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry and served 36 years as a professional forester with Maine Forest Service, retiring in 1987. In retirement he enjoyed family and travel.
Robert was predeceased by his wife, Jaye Sleight Umberger. He is survived by his sister; three sons and a daughter, Robert Jr., Susan, William and John, and their families.
Calling hours will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 25, at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St., Camden. A funeral Mass will be held 9 a.m. June 26 at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, Camden. Robert will be laid to rest with his wife at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.