Robert Melvin Sponagle Jr.

Portland, Maine – Robert Melvin Sponagle, JR, 74, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, died on January 27, 2022, at the Barron Center Nursing home in Portland, Maine. His wife preceded him in death, Catherine (Kitty) Haskell Sponagle of Essex, Mass.

Robert was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on November 5th, 1947. His parents were Robert Melvin Sponagle Sr and Barbara Elizabeth (Dench) Sponagle both of Gloucester, Mass. He graduated from Gloucester High School and went into US Army in 1967. Robert served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged from the service in 1969. He was a radio operator in the Army. After being discharged he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal for his service.

Robert had a few different jobs over his lifetime, some as an avid fisherman in Gloucester and then working in retail at different hardware stores. His last job before his retirement was as an assistant manager at a local hardware store in Portland, Maine.

Robert was a long-time member and supporter of the V.F.W post 6859 in Portland, Maine. He spent a lot of time there helping veterans like himself making sure they had food on major holidays and being supportive of his comrades in the military.

Robert loved fishing and having a good time with his friends and family. He loved his wife Kitty and daughter Dori and was very proud of his family. He was known for his laugh, his humor, and his love of life. He was also known for his love of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Robert is survived by ~ Daughter – Dori Elswick and husband Josh Elswick of Waxahachie, Texas. His nieces: Amanda Sponagle-Haskell and wife Jenelle Haskell of Gloucester, MA;Melinda Sponagle of Gloucester, MA; Melissa Sponagle of Gloucester, MA. His spouse’s siblings:Tracy and Moss Burke of Hampton, NH, James and Katrina Haskell of Gloucester, MA; Mark Haskell of Essex, MA.

He is preceded in death by his brother Dana Sponagle and wife Andrea Sponagle of Gloucester, MA.

Robert will be cremated, and a private burial and ceremony will be held at a later date in May in Gloucester, MA.

The family would like to thank the incredible nurses and staff at the Barron Center in Portland, Maine for the extra love and care they gave Robert during his stay.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the V.F.W post 6859 in Portland, Maine. Address: 687 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103