Robert PAYEUR

ROCHESTER — Robert Payeur, 80, of 7 Attwood St., died Monday, Nov. 7, 2005, at his home after a long illness.He was born in Rochester on July 23, 1925, and was the son of Joseph A. and Alice (Belanger) Payeur. His mother died when he was 10 years old and was lovingly cared for by his stepmother, Delphine (Sylvain) Payeur.He was raised in Somersworth and was a graduate of St. martin Academy and Somersworth High School. He went on to study at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in engineering. He had lived in the Somersworth and Rochester area all of his life.After high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served during World War II and the Korean War. Upon his return, he was hired by General Electric in Somersworth in quality assurance and served the company for 36 years.He was very active in the community and was actively involved in many organizations. He was one of the first and earliest members of the Civil Air Patrol in the Seacoast area. He was an active member of the Sanford Rod and Gun Club and was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion of Somersworth. An active amateur (ham) radio operator, he was a member of the Great Bay Amateur Radio Association of Rochester and held the call sign of KA1AIZ.His greatest enjoyment, though, was flying and building radio-controlled aircraft. He was a member of the New England Sports Scale Association, serving as secretary, and was also a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. The A.M.A. had initiated an Adopt a School Program and he was very active in that Enrichment Program where he went into the schools and taught the hobby.When he was not involved in these projects, he always found time to give to many local civic and national charities.Family members include his two sons, Robert Payeur and his wife, Kathleen, of Danville, Vt., and Thomas Payeur of Ossipee. He also leaves two daughters, Deborah Houle of W. Lebanon, Maine and Lisa Payeur of Dover. Other family members include his two sisters, Mrs. Leo Marguerite Lesperance of Acton, Maine and Mrs. Leo Theresa Bourgue of Somersworth; four grandchildren, Daniel Houle, Joshua Payeur, Christopher Payeur and Amber Payeur. He also leaves his dear and loving cat "Gary."Calling hours at Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South St., Somersworth, will be on Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, High Street, Somersworth. Burial will follow in the family lot in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Rochester.The family respectfully declines flowers and requests that memorial contributions be made in his name to either Seacoast Hospice or Somersworth Dialysis Center. Folders are available at the funeral home.To view and sign the online guest book in Robert's name visit www.bernierfuneralhome.com.