Robert M Stevens, Nashua resident for the past 44 years, passed away Tuesday, September 1st. Mr. Stevens was predeceased by two wives, a daughter and grandson; Gloria Traudt Grayson whom he was married in 1946 and died in 1948, Margaret Jolly, married in 1951 until her death in 2002, Lola J. Quinn, his daughter, in 2014, and Dennis J. Quinn, who died in 1980.
Bob was born in Sioux City, Iowa the only son of Mr. Edward M. and Effie (Nielson) Stevens, December 26, 1923.Robert was a US Navy veteran of WWII after graduating East High School in Sioux City. Post war, he had a successful career in the food refrigeration business working for two companies, National Tea Co and Tyler Refrigeration until his retirement in 1988. Mr. Stevens had several interests in which he was very involved with. Bob had a passion for auto racing, especially the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500. Since the early 30’s, he had collected books and memorabilia around Indy style racing. Bob attended the Indy 500 almost every year from 1946 to 2012. He was also involved for several years in the Atlantic and Bay State Old-timers Auto clubs.
Additionally, he was a WWI aircraft aficionado, loved the circus where he was a member of local circus enthusiast organizations, had an extensive book collection on western movies and John Wayne and enjoyed reading about pirates. Bob was also an artist, an accomplished bugler in his younger years, and a noted high school athlete.
Nicknamed “the Duke”, “Steamboat” or “Gunner”, his proud legacy is his family. He is survived by two sons: Craig Stevens and his wife, Julie, of Dakota Dunes, SD., and Mark Stevens and his wife Louise of Nashua. Bob had 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His grandchildren include: Ms. Candace A. Quinn, Stamford, CT.; Daniel K. Quinn, Nashua, NH.; Mrs. Cathleen (Quinn) Cohen, Mountain Lake, NJ; Mrs. Katherine (Stevens) Harms, Ankeny, IA., Mr. Adam Stevens, Oswego, IL.; Dr. Todd Stevens, Birmingham, AL.; Mrs. Sarah (Stevens) Miller, Ankeny, IA.; Mrs. Kelly (Stevens) Mariano, Lowell, MA.; Mr. Matthew M. Stevens, Orlando, FL.; Mr. Jonathan T. Stevens, Orlando, FL.
Great Grandchildren include: Joey, Avery, Asher, and Flynn Cohen; Timber (Quinn) Devine, Anthony Mariano, Will and Elizabeth Harms; Summer, Drew and Blake Stevens; Hollie and Mia Miller.
SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A private graveside service will take place in Edgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New England Auto Racing Museum, 7 Bayview Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591 www.farwellfuneral.com
