Robert Keith Marlowe

Robert (Bob) Keith Marlowe, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 95, in Ogunquit, Maine.

Bob was born in Connersville, Indiana, to Loren and Philomena (née Utz) Marlowe, and later moved with his family to Greensburg, Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University in 1952 and later earned his MBA from Northwestern University in 1956.

He began his professional career in Richardson, Texas, with Texas Instruments before embarking on a distinguished career with Sprague Electric Company, later Vishay Sprague. Over the course of more than three decades, Bob held significant leadership roles, including Director of Worldwide Marketing for Tantalum Capacitor Products, and was later elevated to Vice President of the division. His work fostered extensive business and professional relationships across the globe, and he was widely respected for his integrity, expertise, and steady leadership.

Bob proudly served his country as a veteran of the Korean War in the United States Army, where he formed lifelong friendships with the men beside whom he served. His commitment to service and his country —was a defining characteristic of his life.

A lifelong learner with a deep curiosity about the world, Bob loved to travel- especially cherished trips to Hawaii with his children.  He was dedicated to his family and profession, and carried himself with a quiet strength and generous spirit that touched all who knew him.

After retiring in 1993, Bob devoted his time and talents to volunteer service, seeking, as he often said, “to make good things happen for other people.” He was a parishioner of St Mary’s Church in Wells, ME and supported their fundraising efforts and social events.  He was an active member of the American Legion Ramsdell-Rogers Post 56, the Knights of Columbus in Wells, SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), the Rising Tide Investment Club, and Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s “Vets Helping Vets” program. Through these organizations, he shared his business expertise, mentorship, and compassionate support with many in his community.

Bob is predeceased by his sister, Martha Lou Kuchler, and by his parents, Loren and Philomena Marlowe.

He is survived by his six children: Mark Marlowe of Springvale, Maine; Jeff Marlowe and his wife Nancy of Newport, Rhode Island; Michelle Needham and her husband Scott of Pennington, New Jersey; Renee King and her husband Van of Salt Lake City, Utah; Lisa Branagan and her husband Patrick of York, Maine; and Denise and her husband George Vargyas of Salt Lake City, Utah. He also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren: Spencer Needham; Bronte and Landis King; Ashley, Cole and Michael Branagan; Lucy Marlowe; and Forest and Kessler Vargyas; as well as one cherished great-grandchild, Pearl King.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 11 am at St  Mary’s Church, Wells, ME. Interment will be private at The Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, ME.  For additional information contact www.johnsonfuneralhomeme.com.    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St Mary’s Church, Wells, ME or American Legion Post 56.

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