Robert L. Doane, 95, of Essex, loving and devoted husband of 61 years to the late Darline (Barnett) Doane, died peacefully Nov. 1 at Peregrine’s Landing in Clinton. He was born Aug. 8, 1918 to Charles and Edith (Palau) Doane.

He was a fifth- generation resident of Essex, and attended Pratt High School, Connecticut College of Pharmacy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London. Lt. Doane served in the Untied States Coast Guard in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Pacific throughout World War II. He founded Doane’s Pharmacy in 1951 and retired from the business in 1976.

Bob was a pillar of the community, and was involved in a variety of activities including as a 60 year member of the Rotary Club and recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow honor. He was a founding member of the Essex Ambulance Association, director of CBC Bank, an active member of the Essex Yacht Club, and founding member of the Pettipaug Yacht Club. Darline and Bob were pilots at Mystic Seaport for more than 30 years of volunteer time. Lifelong sailors, they enjoyed their time on the east coast, which led to a 20 year residence at their beloved Man-O-War Cay in the Bahamas. Bob was a loving, devoted, and inspiring father.

He is survived by his five children, Timothy, Linda, Deborah, Robert, and John; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was predeceased by his wife Darline in Oct. 2003.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Methodist Hill Road, Essex. Interment will be private at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Essex Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 233, Ivoryton, CT 06442. The Robinson, Wright, and Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Bob, visit rwwfh.com.