Robert Charles Grieshaber

BOSTON, MA- Robert (Bob) Charles Grieshaber, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2026 with family holding him close. Bob was incomparably loyal, hardworking, and loving. The intensity and passion he brought to his professional life were matched only by his devotion to family, friends and community.

The second of five sons born to Clara (now 105) and his late father, Charles, Bob was raised in a loving home. He became the eldest when his big brother, Donald, passed away in childhood. Bob’s brothers David, Gerry, Mike and the rest of his big St Louis family held a prominent place in his heart throughout life.

Growing up, Bob delighted in serving as altar boy, leading youth group, visiting cousins, running track, playing baseball, and digging for worms. After graduating from St Thomas Aquinas High School he studied Business Administration at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. There Bob launched his 59 year career as a Certified Public Accountant. Still a student, in 1967 he began working at Ahrens & McKeon (later part of KPMG).

By 1972 Bob advanced to resident partner and relocated to open a branch office in Lewiston, Maine. He was in awe of Maine’s beauty and quick to embrace a lifestyle defined by its mountains and waterways. During an audit in Berlin, New Hampshire Bob took his very first ski lesson—memorably hitting the slopes clad in his standard attire: a full three-piece suit.

Eventually Bob joined financial leadership at St. Mary’s Hospital then took the leap to start his own firm in 1977. Master of his craft, he fastidiously poured over tax legislation and–though many dreaded his annual tax season questionnaire–he treated each client with attentive care. Financials were Bob’s forte: he was a fixture in the New England Peer Review and the American Institute of CPAs. He lobbied for tax reform on Capitol Hill. And though he officially retired in 2022, we hoped to make a shamelessly ostentatious spectacle of his true retirement later this year.

Bob was a man of insatiable curiosity. Books on genealogy, astronomy and obscure small town history towered in stacks beside his reading chairs. He treasured deep conversation and deeper contemplation.

Bob’s blue eyes shined most brightly in the company of those he loved–and he loved unconditionally. He spoke with his mother nightly, made unreasonably long car trips to spend a few hours with his children, and fishing with his grandson engrossed him for hours. He maintained a caring relationship with his former wife, Tammie and cherished sunset martinis with his partner Leslie after a day of play or before their latest costume party.

His boats, Better Living I and II were the source of countless summer joys and headaches during the 80s and early 90s–lazy days not catching fish, playing with dolphins, diving for flotsam in the prop, and ferrying friends for island camping trips.

Eventually the allure of biking (and repellant of broken boat engines) won his time. “Better Living” was not just a boat. It was a dream shared with unconditional friends for a way of life centered on community. He lived the dream through skiing, bicycling, scuba, kayaking, golf, racquet sports and anything else that brought people together. Friendship was the focus–life’s triumphs and trials shared between points or on the chairlift.

Bob didn’t do anything halfway. This year would have been his 35th Bike MS ride. He pedaled the Trek Across Maine 20 consecutive years and volunteered with Maine Adaptive Sports for just as long.

He volunteered with myriad organizations, lending his strong back, willing hands, and sound financial expertise. An arts lover, he dedicated time to the Bates Dance Festival and joyfully attended performances of every genre. He also collected far more art than he had walls–mostly from fascinating people he met.

Bob downed pickle juice from his fridge after long rides. He could have survived on chocolate chip cookies and milk (especially his mom’s). Or perhaps smoked fish. He chatted with every person in a restaurant on the way to his own table. He did not love house projects.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, fierce loyalty, big hugs, and unwavering commitment to others. And of course his unique style. It was a coin toss whether Bob would arrive at a gathering wearing full cycling spandex or a three piece suit.

Bob is survived by daughter Kirsten, son-in-law Joel Lamendola, grandson Bergen, son Brant, mother Clara Mae, and brothers Dave and Gerry. He is also survived by his partner of 14 years, Leslie Shields and his former wife Tamera Grieshaber.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles and brothers Donald and Michael.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in Auburn on Sunday, August 9. Please email [email protected] by Tuesday, July 21st. for more details and to RSVP.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to

Maine Adaptive Sports at https://maineadaptive.org/donate/

Maine Music Society at https://mainemusicsociety.org/sponsors/

National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/

Arrangements by The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street in Auburn, 783-8545. To share memories and condolences with The Grieshaber Family, please visit www.fortinpinettegroupauburn.com .