Joseph Robert Socobasin Sr.

Joseph Robert Socobasin Sr.
“Bobby Bix” “Grump” “Joe”

MOTAHKMIKUK (Indian Township) - Bob began his journey to the spirit world in the early hours of March 12, 2019, at the age of 83. Bob was surrounded in the love and prayers of his family during his final days.

Bob, of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, was born in Eastport Maine on May 15, 1935 to Madeline Socobasin and Athion Lewey. He was one of twelve children.

He grew up immersed in the Passamaquoddy language and tradition at Sipayik. Bob later moved to Motahkmikuk. He took great pride in Passamaquoddy language, culture, community and food throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed cribbage, baseball and Western films.

He worked for many years harvesting timber, where he owned and operated skidders, and served as foreman to the Tribal Forest Enterprise for 3 years. Bob was also an entrepreneur, and the first in the community to secure a guaranteed business bank loan. He owned and operated a convenience store, Porky and Fudd’s, with Elmer Lank on Route 1 in Indian Township.

Bob’s granddaughter, Laticia, gave him the endearing nickname “Grump”, which was quickly used by many who knew Bob. “Grump had a big heart and was quick to forgive. He was a great man”. Irene reflects fondly “He could brighten anyone’s day with his jokes...there was never a dull moment with him”. Together, Cassandra and Bridgid share how “he would grab your knee and simultaneously yell ‘hey’ to startle you, which most always received a laugh, or on occasion a glare and smirk”. Anyone sitting in the front seat or a nearby chair was fair game.

Bob was well-known for his love of cars and the open road. Nearing retirement, when his body was stiff from heavy work, he began transporting Motahkmikuk high school students for extracurricular activities. Bob would be there with humor, music and a warm van to drive them home. Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash were some of his top-played artists.

Bob took great pride in his large family, including nine children Wanda Tweedie, Sandra “Sam” Eggen; Donnie, Joseph, Jonathan, Maurice, Robert, Jeanette and Lucas Socobasin; two step-children Brad White and Bridgid Neptune; grandchildren Jeremy Socobasin, Wendy Glaude, James Turner, Rhonda Sabbatus, Irene Dewitt, Nathan and Trever Mitchell, Bobbie Jo Denman, Becky Jo, Billie Jo, and Eric Eggen, Richard “Pun” Stevens, Faith Dana, Jodi Socobasin, Gary Tweedie, Aaron and Matt Dana, Cassandra Socobasin, Matthew Trott, Hunter Plourde, Laticia “Teesh” Socobasin and Roger Brown Jr., Aselis and Molihk “Mo” Neptune-Hood; over 40 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Siblings Larry Socobasin, Wallace Lewey, Harold Lewey, Joseph Lewey, Eleanor Stevens, Newell Lewey, Brenda Castro, Susie Lewey, Athion Lewey, Alice Lewey, Stella Lewey Hamilton, and John Socobasin; many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Judy Stevens, Jackie Lola and Lori Keezer for their comfort and support.

Bob held great respect for his ancestors and those already in the spirit world, including his parents, son Joseph, sons Jonathan and Maurice, their mother Maliyan “Mary-Ellen” Stevens; granddaughters Rhonda Sabbatus and Bobbie Jo Denman; siblings Harold, Joseph and Alice Lewey; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece Ann-Marie Socobasin and his love, Mary Neptune.

His love was not limited to the human members of his family, but extended to his handsome and intelligent Boston terrier, Pedro, who held a special place in his heart. Bob’s loving heart will ensure that he is always remembered by his family, his friends, and his community.

A wake will begin at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 16th at his home, 62 US Route 1, Indian Township, until 10:00 am, Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Kevin Martin, 11:00 am, Monday, March 18th at St. Ann Church, Peter Dana Point. Burial in the Tribal Cemetery will follow the service.

Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.