Robert Lison Howbrigg

Calais – Robert Linson Howbrigg, 91, passed away Sunday, May 05, 2013 in Calais. Robert was born in Belleville, NJ, on October 14, 1921, son of the late Edwin and Edith (Devoe) Howbrigg. He lived all but the first year of his life in Meriden, CT, moving to Calais (Red Beach) in 2001.
On August 22, 1942, he married Irma Philippi. Robert was employed for many years in Credit and Office Management. He devoted the latter years of his life to church and community service activities. He served Center Congregational Church in many capacities, among them as Church School Superintendent and on the Diaconate. Robert has for many years served on the Troop Committee of Boy Scout Troop 6. He taught for forty years in the religious education program at the Connecticut School for Boys (Long Lane), and received both State of Connecticut and National awards for his service. In addition to his devotion to his local church, he served his denomination on the Central Association and Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. He served for six years on the National United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, and also served on the board for World Ministries. Robert and his wife together served as On-Call Chaplains at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. He was a member of the Board of Directors of two of the denominations Conference and Retreat Centers – Star Island and Senexet House. He was an active member of Hancock Lodge #28 and Rachel Rebekah Lodge #2 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; is a Past District Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut I.O.O.F., and an associate member of Frontier Lodge I.O.O.F. in Baileyville. Bob was Past President of the Connecticut Eye Bank & Visual Research Foundation, and a volunteer driver for the Eye Bank for many years. He was a multiple gallon donor to the Red Cross Blood Program, for which he received several awards. Robert served on the Human Services Advisory Board of the City of Meriden, and also served on the Youth Advocacy Committee and the Meriden/Wallingford Summer Campership Committee. Over the years Robert was active with the Family Service Association, the Council of Concern, the Council of Concern Housing Development Corporation, Pride in Meriden, and the United Way of Meriden/Wallingford. He held membership in Meriden Power Squadron, Meriden Humane Society, Meriden Land Trust, Rosa Ponzelle Society, Friend of the Library, Meriden Symphony, Meriden Historical Society, Friends of the Goffe House, and American Silver Museum.
As a couple, Robert and his wife were given the Pride Award in recognition of their service to the city of Meriden. In 1997, he and his wife were name “Citizens of the Year” by the Meriden Rotary Club. They both served on the Board of Directors of the Meriden Soup Kitchen. Their home served for many years as the Host Home for troubled teens. In 2002, he and his wife received the “Humanitarians of the Year” award given by the United Universalist Church.
Since moving to Calais, both Bob and Irma were active members of the First Congregational Church of Calais. Irma has served on the Diaconate and Benevolence Committee of the Church. Bob has been on the Pastoral Relations Committee. Both Bob and Irma have represented the church to Washington Association and have represented Washington Association on the Spiritual Life Commission of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Irma on February 8, 2013; a son, John Robert Howbrigg; and two sisters, Lucibelle Bennet and Yolande Nolte. Surviving are his son Paul Edwin Howbrigg and his wife Carol of Calais; and his daughter-in-law Rosemary Howbrigg of CT. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.