Robert James Desjardins

Robert James Desjardins

October 3, 1937 – September 6, 2024

Robert “Bob” James Desjardins, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024.

A devout Catholic, Robert was born October 3, 1937, in Old Town, Maine, in a large French-Canadian community where he and his many cousins attended French-speaking Catholic schools.

An exceptional student, Robert skipped two grades and graduated from Old Town High School at the age of 15. Seeing his aptitude for math and design, a teacher suggested he study civil engineering at the nearby University of Maine. He commuted while working nights at the local paper mill and became his family’s first college graduate.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Robert met the love of his life, Rita Call Desjardins, when they were kids at Pushaw Pond.  Reuniting many years later, the friendship quickly blossomed into romance, and they married in 1964, eventually settling in Pittsfield to raise their family with lots of love along with Robert’s incomparable sense of humor, sharp card playing skills, and an engineer’s detailed attention to his vegetable garden.

He spent most of his professional career at Cianbro Corporation, where his talent for engineering along with his strong work ethic helped him rise through the ranks, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Always seeking ways to make the most of the resources available to him, he earned his pilot’s license in 1973 to facilitate travel to construction sites throughout the Northeast. He was equally devoted to his community and served in many civic organizations as well as Chairman of the Pittsfield Planning Board. His devotion to community service extended to the local Catholic parish; he was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Parish Council Chair, and utilized his engineering skills to help build the parish hall.

A leader in his field, Robert was active in numerous industry associations, and he was most proud of serving as president of the Associated General Contractors of America and senior vice president of the Confederation of International Construction Associations. Never one to seek attention, his contributions to the field were nevertheless honored by many organizations, the pinnacle of which was his induction as a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

After retiring in 2005, Robert and Rita split their time between their homes in Daytona Beach, FL, and Mechanicsville, VA, and devoted their days to their children and grandchildren, travel, and socializing with friends.

He spent his final years in Crofton, MD, where he and Rita could be close to their daughter, Lisa, and enjoy regular visits from their grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rita; his children Deborah (Michael Gunzenhauser) and Lisa; his sister, Lois Lawhorn (Red); and two adored grandsons, Joshua and Adam Gunzenhauser. He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Yvonne Desjardins; his beloved son Robert, Jr.; and many lifelong friends.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to the staff and volunteers at Spring Arbor of Crofton and Hospice of The Chesapeake for the loving care they provided at the end of Robert’s life.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Spring Arbor of Crofton, 1495 Riedel Road, Crofton, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Maine Foundation or Hospice of The Chesapeake or a charity of the donor’s choosing.