Obituary
Guest Book
1955
2013
Robert Donald Bilodeau Jr.
Chief Master Sergeant Retired
January 5, 1955 - September 19, 2013
Apex, NC
Robert "Bob" Bilodeau Jr., 58, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2013 with his family by his side.
Robert was born to Robert and Claire Bilodeau on January, 5, 1955 in Chicopee, Massachusetts. He graduated from South Burlington High School in Vermont in 1973. Following high school, Robert enlisted in the Air Force, where he built a 24 year career as a civil engineer. Robert worked his way to the highest position attainable by an enlisted non-commissioned officer, Chief Master Sergeant. A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he received the Bronze Star for his dedicated service. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1997, Robert worked for the Town of Cary as the Operations Superintendent of Public Works.
Robert had a sense of duty and of pride for his country and an endless desire to help others. He had a caring heart and limitless love for his wife of 34 years, Linda. He was a driven man of pride who had a spark for life and valued integrity. Bob enjoyed being with his family, working outdoors in his garden, watching Duke basketball, couldn't wait for the start of hunting season and deep sea fishing at the Outer Banks.
Robert is survived by his mother, Claire Bilodeau of Colonie, NY; beloved wife of 34 years, Linda Bilodeau of Apex, NC; children, Sara and Eduardo Contreras of Raleigh and Robin Bilodeau of Apex, NC; granddaughter, Julianna Contreras; brothers and sisters, Cynthia Bilodeau of Little Rock, AR, Stephen Bilodeau of Brandon, VT, Eric and Monique Bilodeau of Sutton, MA, Roxanne and Ed Gillen of Punta Gorda, FL, and Michele and David LaFluer of South Glen Falls, NY.
The family will receive friends Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2013 at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2013 at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Memorial contributions can be made to the local USO-Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association.
The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to RN Brenda Wilcox, Dr. David White, Dr. Michael Spiritos, Dr. Carol Hahn, Dr. James Peterson, and the many kind and caring staff of Duke Raleigh Hospital.
Condolences may be sent through: www.brownwynnecary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by claire a bilodeau.
December 24, 2018
Meme
September 29, 2016
Meme
Thinking of you!
May 27, 2016
Sandy rotella
I'll never forget you. I look at your pictures and still don't believe your not here anymore.
I will always miss you.
Sandra Jean
May 26, 2016
Meme
January 5, 2016
Happy Birthday in Heaven to my first born son ..I miss you today and alway`s Love you Bobby !!! Your Mommy
November 3, 2015
Michelle Nelson
Bob, everyone misses you - family, friends and coworkers. Rest In Peace. May GOD bless your family w/peace & good health in JESUS name I pray, Amen.
November 2, 2015
Claire Bilodeau
Bob I have not been feeling well and the wonderful women you brought into our family came and helped me ..You picked a good one . Love and miss you Bob ! Your MOMMY
September 21, 2015
Brenda Mann
Bob, they say time heals....instead I think we just learn to accept that things aren't going to be the way they were. There is just as much a void around here today as when you first went to heaven. You always had a way of making us feel like no matter what was wrong, you could fix it. Your jokes & laughter are so deeply missed. Never the same without you.
September 21, 2015
Michelle Nelson
Bob,It has not been the same at work without you. May God Bless Your Soul & Protect Your Family In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
September 20, 2015
Meme
Missing you.
February 12, 2015
Michelle Nelson
You are very missed here at Town of Cary Public Works.
February 11, 2015
Meme
Just thinking of you!
January 5, 2015
claire bilodeau
Bob , You are always on my mind .I still cannot believe you are in Heaven with your Dad. Today would have been a Big day you would have retired from your second career from the town of Cary Happy 60th Birthday #1 son !! Your Mommy
September 22, 2014
Bob
You and I have always had a fun relationship from the time you were a kid. It was always very special to me,as you were always very special to me.I hope you knew that. You are always in my thought's.I will always remember our times together.
Love you
Sandra Jean
September 19, 2014
Michele Lafleur
I can't believe it's been a year without you Bob. I miss you and think of you every day. I love you!
September 19, 2014
Brenda Mann
Bob, I can't believe it's been a year & then again it seems like forever. We miss you every day. My family speaks of you often, especially my little Hope. She tells me that she misses seeing you when she visits the office. No words can express the impact that you had on so many people. Your generosity, bravery, and perserverance will forever be remembered. Brenda
September 18, 2014
claire bilodeau
In a few hours we will mark the first Anniversary of being without you. It has been a hard year for all. You were a wonderful and caring son.You are missed by all. Love you Bobby B.
July 9, 2014
Claire Bilodeau
I met your grandson . Ed & Sara brought there family to visit me . Beautiful boy & great family . Miss you every day . Love you always..
February 7, 2014
Michelle Nelson
Amen to that Brenda. It's not the same without you Bob. You are so missed.
February 6, 2014
Brenda Mann
We miss you Bob - Christmas here at work wasn't the same without you. You would always bring in jerky and cook yummy stuff for our meal (or lol Linda cooked it & you claimed you did). We just had a snow event and your name was brought up several times as to what decisions you would make, meetings you were always at for planning, etc. We miss your jokes & laughter. I miss having you tell me that I need to look in the mirror before taking a bite of food!! You would say it & we would laugh our heads off while everyone around us was mortified. I never had a big brother to pick on me growing up, so many years ago I declared you my "Big Brother" :) You always made everyone feel cared about. Afterall, how many people would loan out their Corvette Convertible for homecoming court? You did to my daughter Bonnie. I remember asking if you were you crazy & you just said, "she needs a convertible & I've got one". That was you, always giving & helping others. There's an ache around here that will never go away.........We miss you, Bobby Blue Eyes
February 5, 2014
claire bilodeau
miss you sunny boy.
January 5, 2014
Michele
December 26, 2013
Michele
Thinking of you...
December 25, 2013
Robin Your favorite
Sara is about to pop- we miss you Dad-
November 6, 2013
Michele
October 21, 2013
Ralph & Jeannette Leo
We are deeply sorry for your loss. The entire Bilodeau family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hoping it's not too late for you to get this message of sympathy.
October 14, 2013
claire bilodeau
Rest in peace sonny boy. We will always miss you . Your Mom.
September 29, 2013
Dustin McClure
Linda and Family,
Mom and dad were visiting Allison and I here in Oklahoma when we heard about Bob. I sure have fond memories of our times together. I loved spending time at your home in Germany. Bob was a special guy. He was certainly one of dad's closest friends in the Air Force. Always laughing, he brought joy to so many around him. Even in my short military career Bob managed to encourage me and cheer me on any chance he had. Allison and I are praying for you all. Love you guys.
September 25, 2013
Nancy Swiechowicz
So sorry for your loss. Fond memories of our visits while at Spangdahlem.
September 25, 2013
Pam and Kurt Mattocks
We are sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
September 24, 2013
Michelle Nelson & Family
Bob had such a strong presence, a caring spirit & was very patriotic which made him a great leader. It was always fun to hear his stories of his family, hunting & fishing. Bob appreciated a good joke & loved to laugh & smile which made some tough work days easier. He was so kind to my boys. When Bob found out Danny loved vegetables he always left a few on my desk from his garden. Then, Ben was there one day, Bob showed him the bays at Public Works, explained much of the traffic signal workings, plus they made a couple paper airplanes. Another thing sticks out in my mind is when he went to Goodwill to buy clothes for a homeless man whose bag of clothes was thrown away while PWUT crews were cleaning up a roadside area, plus he bought new socks & underwear from another store because he said everyone deserves those basics. He will be missed by all who knew him. May GOD bless Bob Bilodeau & all of his family in JESUS' name we pray, Amen. Peace Be With You! Love,
September 23, 2013
Roy Garris
My prayers are with you and the family stay strong
Roy garris Raleigh NC
September 23, 2013
Melissa Cadavero
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be thinking of you and praying for you.
September 23, 2013
Jim and Marilyn Buckingham
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Bob will be sourly missed on our visits to Brad and Michelle..
September 23, 2013
Kim Deloatch
Dearest Linda, I am so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family dear friend. Peace be with you during this difficult time.
September 23, 2013
Barajas Family
My prayers and sincere thoughts go out to your family.
September 22, 2013
Shelbia Green
My prayers are with you and your family.
September 22, 2013
Dear Linda
Tom and I are so very sad about Bob. We knew he wasn't doing well, but never expected this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
He was always very special to me. We always had fun when we were together and when we talked on the phone. love Tom and Sandra Jean
September 22, 2013
Cindy Jones
Bob always said I was the first ray of sunshine he saw when he got to work, but he was the one always with a smile on his face everyday that I saw him. He was a great coworker and I will miss him. Please know my prayers are with the family at this time.
September 22, 2013
Wynnette Oliver
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Preston and Wynnette Oliver
September 22, 2013
Jen Bruns
I am really sorry for your loss. May God be with you in this time. Praying for comfort for the family.
September 22, 2013
Robert Pipkins
Ellen and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Bob and Linda have been good friends of ours throughout the years and we have many wonderful memories.
Bob and I were stationed in Colorado as Chief Master Sergeants. We worked together many times on issues involving our enlisted personnel and their esprit de corps. Bob was always concerned about our troops and their well being and worked diligently to make their lives better. He was what we in the Air Force call a “Chief's Chief”, true blue to the heart and unwavering in his commitment.
Not only did we work together, but we also spent time camping and fishing. Once, on John Martin Reservoir, Bob and I were walleye fishing. We didn't know it but there was also a walleye tournament going on. Together, we caught some very nice walleye and probably could've won their tournament. Another time we were there, the lake was low. We started spotting lures hung-up in a small sunken tree forest. That was too much for Bob. He changed down to his undies and went diving for lures. I think we hauled in 20 or 30.
Bob was no stranger to practical jokes, nor was I. I called his Cary work office once to complain about pot holes in the streets that hadn't been fixed and had damaged my car. I pretended to get irate enough to want to challenge him to a fight. I had him going pretty good when he put me on speaker phone for the rest of the office to hear, not realizing I was joking. I asked him how big an ole' boy he was and if he wasn't too big, I was going to come over there and handle this situation myself. The entire office erupted in laughter.
We already know Chief Bilodeau is in heaven right now; I'm imagining him chuckling over our nicknames, BBA and TAB.
Ellen and I pray that Linda and her family can find peace during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Bob.
Robert and Ellen
September 22, 2013
Lynn Dunn
Linda,
I'm so sorry. I just heard the news of your husband's passing.
May God give you and your family the strength to get through this time.
Blessing,
Lynn Dunn (Genesis)
September 22, 2013
Patty Kelsey
I was shocked and saddened by Bob's death. I know he will be missed. He has been a blessing from God to all the lives he has touched. My heart goes out to the family! I will be praying that God will bless you and give you strength at this time.
September 22, 2013
Stephen and Dayka Wood
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.
September 21, 2013
Darlene McClure
Darrell, Dustin and I were together when we read the news. We are shocked and saddened at the passing of such a special man and friend! We have very many special memories of your family while stationed together in Germany, reuniting in Colorado Springs at his retirement and our visits in Cary. We are sad that we get so carried away in our daily lives that we lose touch with special friends. Please know you're all in our thoughts and prayers and we'll call very soon!
September 21, 2013
Craig Manahan
Mrs. Bilodeau & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you. Bob was a terrific man and we will greatly miss him. When our daughter got into her car accident Bob was the first to offer us assistance and then again when my wife got into her car accident in November.
Again sorry for your loss.
Craig, Katie & Amie Manahan
September 21, 2013
Diane and John Waldron
Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. So sorry for your loss.
September 21, 2013
Barry & Lisa Nickalson
Dear Mrs. Bilodeau and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies upon the passing of your husband. We have lost a special public servant and patriot. I knew Bob from his work with the Town, and while I wasn't as close to him as some, he was always a kind, knowledgeable and caring coworker. My last conversation with Bob occurred at a retirement planning seminar where he said he just wanted to learn of his options. He said the Town still needed him, and he thought he owed it to his team to continue on for a little while longer. Another example of Bob's selfless dedication to the mission. We owe our gratitude to Bob and you all for his service to our country and the Town of Cary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and reflect on the memories of a life lived well. May God's blessing and peace be yours, and may He wipe away every tear.
September 21, 2013
Mike, Robin and Mack Mitchell
We feel so truly blessed to have known Bob and to call him our friend. If you were lucky enough to know him, you understand what we mean. He was our neighbor and dear friend for 10 years. Years filled with lots of laughter, love and wonderful memories. Our hearts will never be the same. Bob and Linda, who he referred to as his “beautiful bride”, were one of the first to meet Mack when he arrived. We will never forget that. We will miss hearing the Kubota pull into the driveway for a cup of coffee or to help Mike with his many yard projects. Those projects always brought a lot of laughter to the both of them. Bob was one of the very best. There won't be a day that goes by that we don't thank him for his friendship. We will see you again, our friend. With love, Mike, Robin and Mack Mitchell
September 21, 2013
Angela Otruba
So sorry for your loss
September 21, 2013
Jane Nieckarz
I am so sorry for your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
September 21, 2013
mary taylor
Sorry for your loss. Bob was a nice guy. My prayers are with you
September 20, 2013
Linda & MacKenzie Prior
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My family are friends of Monique and Eric. There are no words to express the grief we fell when our loved one pass away, it is a sadness that lessens in time but we always remember them. I will keep you all in my prayers.
September 20, 2013
Brad and Michelle Buckingham
Words cannot even begin to express how much Bob meant to Brad and me. He and Linda have been our next door neighbors for over 10 years now and they are family. He was always there to help us no matter what we needed even if it was to get a snake out of our yard. He always had words of wisdom for us, like “Call” before you dig. He was always there to help out when we were building the house, even if sometimes it was just to chat and drink a cold drink in front of us while he watched us work in the hot sun…..what a character. He always had the same saying for us when we didn't know if we would make it through a project “Think of it like you're eating an Elephant…..one bite at a time and you will get there”
He was always there for us and the rest of the neighbors when we all needed him. I am not sure how we are going to get along without him. We are going to miss him each and every day. Love Brad and Michelle Buckingham
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