Robert Theodore “Bob” Ravenelle passed away peacefully Sunday April 23, 2017 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a three year battle with cancer.
A Nashua native, Bob was born on March 9, 1940 to the late Raymond & Yvonne (Rondeau) Ravenelle.
In the mid-1950s he attended Nashua High School and was part of the offensive line that won the state football championship under coach and local legend Charles “Buzz” Harvey.
After graduating in 1958, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and in 1960 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served both in the U.S. and in Europe before being discharged in 1962.
In 1965, Bob became a Nashua Police Officer and after a 20 year career with many assignments, including being part of Nashua’s first SRT/SWAT Team in 1974, Bob retired as a Lieutenant in 1985. He then spent over two decades as the Director of Public Safety at Daniel Webster College.
In his leisure time and later years, Bob loved watching and complaining about all the local professional sports teams. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and vacationing at the seacoast. His love for bagpipe music was exceeded only by his love for his only grandchild, whom he doted on every chance that he could.
Bob is survived by his two sons, Robert T. II and Stephen, both of Nashua; his granddaughter Jacqueline Ravenelle and her fiancé Steven Ploetz, both of Topsham, ME. He is also survived by many loving cousins, both locally and in several other states, including Ted Ravenelle and his wife Pat of Burke, Virginia and Madeleine Lesondak of California.
The Ravenelle family wishes to thank the many members of the various departments of the local law enforcement community, especially the Nashua Police Department, who came and visited with a member of the “Old Guard” during his final days. It is a fitting testament to “Ravy’s” legacy, and to the bonds of professionalism and brotherhood that exist between those who “Protect and Serve”. We will be forever touched.
Calling hours will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 27th at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Friday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that memorial donations be made to the Nashua Police Relief Association, at P.O. Box 3011, Nashua, NH 03061, the Nashua Police Athletic League at 52 Ash Street, Nashua, NH 03060, or Home Health & Hospice Care at 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
