Robert R. Lalonde

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". - John 15:13

With love and admiration, we announce the passing of retired Marine Corps Captain Robert R. Lalonde, ninety-one, on Thursday, November 20, 2025. He was in his home in Durham, North Carolina, surrounded by adoring family and friends.

Bob was born in Massena, NY on March 3, 1934, to the late Omer and Yvonne Lalonde. Bob graduated in 1953 from St. Lawrence Central High School. During his time at St. Lawrence Central, Bob was known for his warmth and loyalty as a friend and demonstrated his capacity for leadership and service. He was a successful three sport athlete and team captain, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He served as his class vice-president for two years and one year as class president.

An extremely proud member of the United States Marine Corps, Bob enlisted on July 1, 1953. Bob's distinguished military career included extreme valor in the Vietnam War. He received multiple accolades and honors, including the esteemed Purple Heart. Bob earned the status of Marine Corps Mustang by rising from enlisted to officer ranks. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1978 after serving 25 years. Bob personified the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment.

On September 22, 1953, Bob married Nancy Ruth Morey in Greensboro, NC. They shared a blessed union of 56 years. Following basic training, Bob's first duty station was Camp Lejeune, NC. It was there that the couple welcomed daughter Cindy into the world. Twelve years later, while stationed in Washington, D.C. and working at the Pentagon, their adopted infant daughter Karen joined the family. Bob and Nancy traveled extensively throughout his military service. They formed meaningful, and lifelong friendships everywhere they lived. They were active in military organizations and culture. They were known for hosting large joyful gatherings with friends and frequently entertained fellow officers and their families during Bob's long military career.

Following his retirement from military service, Bob and Nancy returned and settled in his hometown, close to his beloved siblings and nieces and nephews. With help from his brothers, he constructed the family's new home in Winthrop, NY. While living in northern NY, Bob worked as a Vice-President at Key Bank in Potsdam, NY. He perpetuated his commitment to service by coaching Christian Youth Organization (CYO) basketball in Brasher Falls, NY. He impacted and inspired young lives and found pleasure in mentoring and leading his teams.

In 1986, Bob and Nancy relocated to Jacksonville, NC where Bob was employed as a building contractor on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base. He later worked as a delivery truck driver, which once again had him traveling around the nation.

Ultimately Bob and Nancy began wintering in Pinellas Park, FL and summering in Massena, NY at the American Veterans (Am Vets) campground. During that period, Bob took considerable pride and pleasure in his role as groundskeeper and caretaker of the campground. While in Florida, Bob founded the Helping Hands Organization.  He assisted countless seniors by providing handy man services at no cost.

After Nancy passed away on March 21, 2010, Bob found second love and a deep connection with Elaine Bolton of Durham, NC. He was her faithful partner for 15 years adoring time spent with her until his passing. Elaine inspired Bob to explore the world, and they traveled around the country and abroad.

Bob valued routine and consistency. He was a man of immense faith, and he prayed and meditated every morning of his adult life. He also was an avid sports and fitness enthusiast using his lunch breaks to run five miles daily, throughout his military career. He maintained a strict morning calisthenics routine including sit-ups, squat thrusts, and pushups, which he continued well into his eighties. He enjoyed playing tennis and cross-country skiing with his daughter, and he was active in various league softball organizations throughout his military and civilian career. He took pleasure in daily walks and was passionate about playing golf throughout his retirement.

Bob was delighted to spend time with his three grandsons, playing catch and watching them compete in sports. In his later years, he relished doting on Elaine's granddaughters.

Bob was exceedingly charitable and compassionate, humble, quiet, and calm. He was greatly admired for his service to his country, his family, and his community. He is remembered for his innate kindness which shone through in his warm demeanor and disarming smile. He was also fiercely loyal, diligent, and possessed unparalleled resilience, courage, and determination. His toughness and grit were legendary. He was both a charming gentleman, and a true warrior.

His other contributions and involvement included but were not limited to many veteran organizations including Am Vets #4, VFW #1143 both in Massena, NY, American Legion Post 514 in Winthrop, NY, and the Knights of Columbus, Brasher Falls, NY.

Bob is survived by his partner of 15 years, Elaine Bolton; two daughters, Cindy (Ross) Driscoll of Massena, NY, and Karen (Chad) Ice, of Hillsborough, NC; three grandsons, Ryan DeCarlo, Ross (Kayla) Driscoll, Jr., and Christopher Kuhn; great grandson Oakland Driscoll; his brother Jack Lalonde; his sister Paula Wells; and his chosen family Elaine's daughters, their families and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Omer Lalonde and Yvonne (Bissett) Lalonde and wife Nancy Lalonde, Bob was predeceased by six sisters, Florette Lashomb, Loraine Cootware, Jeanine Jacot, Lillian King, Giselle Gibson, Patricia Stowell, and three brothers, Ronald, Raymond, and Ivan.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, NY.

Bob's Funeral service will be Friday November 28th at 11:00 am at St. Matthew Catholic Community located at 1001 Mason Road Durham, NC 27712. A Celebration of Life will occur immediately following the service at Treyburn Country Club located at 1 Old Trail Dr. Durham, NC.

His burial with military honors will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Brasher Falls, NY on Friday May 15th, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) https://help.dav.org/page/66135/donate/.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at, www.hammillfh.com.