Robert H. MacArthur "Bob"

Robert H. MacArthur, 73, of Londonderry, passed away at home on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, after a long heroic battle with cancer. The world is better because Bob was in our lives. He was born to the late Arthur G. MacArthur and Eve (Noyes) MacArthur on May 27, 1947 in Manchester, NH. He graduated in the Class of 1965 from Manchester Memorial High School. He proudly served our country in the Army, working as an Executive Chef. After his honorable discharge, his career began as a breakfast cook; then he worked at several high-volume restaurants and resorts and eventually established Castle Caterers which he managed for 42 years, to become one of the largest in New Hampshire. He was a living example of how being honest, generous, "up-side-right", and hard working leads to a rich and meaningful life. Bob was a positive, witty, soft-spoken man who thrived on American history; he was a Rotarian for 25 years, a prolific Red Cross blood donor, and a self-taught electrician, plumber, builder, and craftsman. Bob spent as much time as possible fishing in the Pittsburg, NH area with his close friends. Fishing was a source of peace and pleasure for him, especially when spent with his lifelong friend, Sal Coco. Bob accomplished his bucket list, checking off things others only dream of, including traveling to over 40 countries with his beloved wife, Myrna, skydiving, piloting planes, whitewater rafting the Penobscot 28 times, ballroom dancing, and catching a striped marlin.

Bob leaves behind his wife, Myrna (Thomas) MacArthur of Londonderry, NH, his siblings, Donna Anagnos of Londonderry, NH and Albert MacArthur and his wife Rita of Manchester, NH, his children David MacArthur of Marlborough, MA and Daniel MacArthur of Concord, NH and their mother, Martha MacArthur of Manchester, NH, Nicole (Gregorio) LaMothe of Randolph, VT, and Ben Gregorio of Rochester, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He relished being a Papa to his 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Bob believed in the quote by Hunter S. Thompson: "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!".

Everyone has a Bob story, and we'd love to hear them all. Share your memories, pictures of Bob, or send condolences to his family on his online tribute at www.phaneuf.net/obituaries. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Dr., Concord, NH 03301 or https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/funding/donate.html or to a charity of choice.

Services: All are welcome to a graveside service that will take place on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at approximately 10:45AM at the New St. Joseph Cemetery, 65-97 Old Bedford Rd. in Bedford, NH. Strict social distancing and masks required. Prior to the graveside service, a private family and close friends only memorial service will take place. Those unable to attend in person can view the service online via live stream at www.phaneuf.net/streaming. Please email the family at bobfuneralnh@gmail.com to retrieve the streaming password and time of service. A Celebration of Bob's life is planned for the summer of 2021, with food, as Bob felt no get-together was complete without good food.