Robert McMaster Obituary

Rochester, NH

Robert LeRoy McMaster, 88, of Rochester, NH passed away on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.

Robert, “Bob” was born in Dover, NH on June 30, 1936. As a child he lived on Dover Neck Road near great grandfather Issac Lucas, who operated a Brick Yard on the river. He spent half his life in Dover, moving to Rochester in later years. Robert graduated from Dover High School.

Robert worked at Harvey’s Bakery before starting a career with the State of NH Highway Department. During the late 60’s after a family camping trip to Canada, Robert decided on a new idea for a living. Hauling the freshest, fish and “Queen Crab,” to New England from Cape Bretton, Nova Scotia. He started that Seafood Business, hauling crab and fish to the Boston Fish Pier, and as far as Baltimore, Maryland. He then opened a local seafood market from his barn on Tolend Road in Dover. “Cape Breton Seafood” was a well-loved Dover market for fresh seafood, selling to local seafood restaurants and many customers, over the years. He trucked the product himself with help from his brother-in-law and eventually hired help. He closed business in the late 70’s.

Robert, a skilled carpenter, went onto many more endeavors - Best described as an experienced Woodsman, who lived for fishing, hunting, and trapping. An avid Outdoorsman, he was most comfortable romping around the woods and fishing at his “secret” fishing spots, all over Maine and NH. Most of his life, up to days before his passing, contracted by towns, railroads, etc., at 87 he was still trapping, removing Beavers building dams, flooding RR tracks, roads, and land, even helping UNH years back to catch Bobcats to tag them for a study.

Each summer Robert planted a large garden, proud of his big tomatoes ripening early, starting his plants in his greenhouse. Blueberry bushes, strawberry patches, flowers, and Bee Hives covered his property. In his younger years there was farming, lobstering and scuba diving. Robert worked part time at Irve’s Marina in Dover Point, repairing boat engines and outboards.

Robert is predeceased by his father William McMaster, mother Ellen (Lucas) McMaster, and his sister Elizabeth Plante. He is survived by his wife Alice, his two daughters and their spouses, Terrie and Mark Hale, and Gail and Austin Mercer, Sisters Anna Kay, and Roberta Sanborn, his brother and wife, John and Beth McMaster, two granddaughters, Katie Manning and Colleen Flanagan-Pitchford, along with several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and loyal friend Steve Noel and wife Joan.

A Celebration of Life and private burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover, will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to one of the following in his name, continuing his legacy of love for the outdoors, The Nature Conservancy of NH, or charitable Wildlife Organization of one’s choice.

Robert’s Memory will live on with many told stories of his life’s Outdoor Experiences and Escapades. One of his niece’s summed it up in one sentence “He was one of a kind.”

Cremation care by Peaslee Funeral Home. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com