Robert Hall Emerson

BRISTOL--- Robert “Bobby” Hall Emerson, passed peacefully into eternal life on April 1, 2025 at his home on Bear Mountain Road, Bristol, NH. He was born on February 18, 1949 in Rochester, NH, son of the late William Wentworth and Elizabeth Ruth (Hill) Emerson.

Bobby attended elementary and high school in Dover, graduating from Dover High School in June 1968. On July 9, 1968, he joined the United States Marine Corps serving with a rank of Lance Corporal. On July 17, 1969 he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received during combat in the Republica of Vietnam. Lance Corporal Emerson broke a leg and received other minor injuries when the tractor he was operating ran over an 80 pound mine. He was hospitalized on base and after recuperation, returned to active duty. He was later exposed to Agent Orange during his tour of duty in Vietnam and for the remainder of his life suffered the debilitating effects. Bobby also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal W/1*, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal W/device, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry W/palm, along with the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1974.

He was employed for many years at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, receiving an Outstanding Performance Award on November 3, 1983 in recognition of exceptional performance of duties and responsibilities that significantly contributed to the mission of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. On June 3, 1985 Bobby also received a Letter of Appreciation from the Commanding Officer T. L. Parry, Jr., USS Philadelphia submarine, for his outstanding performance while working on the ship’s overhaul of its wiring, on both radio and weapons equipment. He was also presented with the Appreciation Certificate for his commendable contribution to the goals and ideals of the Production Department of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in January of 1989.

He lived for several years on Hampton Beach and enjoyed his many hours soaking up the sun with his beloved cousins, Dana, Tyler, Corey Ferland. The harsh winters along the seacoast made the decision easy in looking for a different location to spend his retirement years. He loved the Newfound Lake area and in 2006 he relocated from the salty seashore to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, settling in his beloved Bristol.

Bobby was a devout member of St. Mary’s Parish in Dover, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton and in his retirement years a faithful communicant at The Holy Trinity Church of Our Lady of Grace Chapel in Bristol, where he served on the Altar, assisted in distributing Communion and did just about any duties he was asked to perform.

He enjoyed spending time with his cousins and friends, loved talking about sports, fishing, and going out to eat, but his greatest love was being a warrior for his Savior, Jesus Christ. He spent countless hours in quiet time praying and saying his Rosary. When he was not praying, he was joyfully spreading the good news of the Gospel teachings. He was a true humanitarian, always reaching out to those in need. If you knew Bobby, you were blessed. He was a gift to all of us.

Bobby is survived by his siblings Roberta, William, and Sharon of New Hampshire; his beloved cousins, Dana, Tyler, and Corey Ferland; and many, many friends who loved him dearly.

An hour of visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9 to 10 AM at the Our Lady of Grace Chapel, 2 West Shore Road, Bristol, NH, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM, also in the church.

Burial will be held following the Mass at 12 PM at the Boscawen Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local food pantry in honor of Bobby.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.