May 01, 1929 – August 12, 2022
Robert L. Meserve, 93, died on August 12 in Biddeford, Maine. He was born in Medford, Massachusetts, to George H. and Frieda Meserve. After graduating from Medford High School, Robert attended Northeastern University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering.
He did graduate study at the University of West Virginia for four summers. He also served as Captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War era. Robert was a registered land surveyor and registered professional engineer. He practiced engineering for nine years with three firms before joining the Civil Engineering faculty at Northeastern. He remained at N.U. until his retirement over three decades later. During his tenure there, he co-authored the 2nd edition of Water and Its Impurities, and he published several papers in the Journal of the New England Water Works Association. He also served as editor of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Journal, editor of the Engineering Society of New England Journal, and president of the Engineering Societies of New England.
When Robert met June F. Gunter in 1945, it was the beginning of a relationship that would span almost 80 years. They raised their four children in Reading, Massachusetts. The family attended Old South United Methodist Church, where Robert served as lay leader under two ministers, chairman of the Pastor Parish Committee and Vice Chair of the Administrative Board. He also taught many adult education courses at Old South.
Robert and his family spent part of each summer in Ocean Park, Maine, the cherished spot where Bob and June had met and fallen in love as teenagers. A devoted family man, Robert’s priority was to care for his wife and children, but he had other passions as well. He was a voracious reader whose book collection at one point consisted of over 3000 titles. He was also an accomplished artist, specializing in pen-and-ink sketches and watercolors. He appreciated music, from classical to contemporary, and he was an avid sports fan who followed many local and professional teams, though the Boston Red Sox were number one in his heart.
Robert is survived by his wife, June; son David and his wife Maria, of Scottsdale, Arizona; son Mark and his wife Linda, of Merrimac, Massachusetts; daughter Loretta and her husband Jon, of Kennebunk, Maine; daughter Nancy and her husband Oscar, of Biddeford, Maine; and brother Harry of Medford. He also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express thanks to the staffs of St. Andre Health Care Facility in Biddeford and Atria in Kennebunk for the great care given. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to Old South United Methodist Church in Reading, Massachusetts.
Arrangements are by Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral home 365 Main St, Saco
