A. Robert Dare

A. Robert (Bob) Dare (83) passed away Monday, April 3, 2023 after a long battle with myositis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Justine; “kids” Michele Francis (Phil Verduce), Jane Speer, Lynda (David) Pendleton, Robyn (Dwane) Anthony; grandkids Emma Francis (Joe Zohr), Sarah (Sam) Anger, Josh (Maddie) Pendleton, Jacob (Claire) Pendleton, Breanna (Stu) Scales, Krista Anthony, and Lela Anthony; two great-grandchildren; siblings Bill (Ruth) Dare, Margaret Bain, Marian (Roger) Tuttleman, and David (Robin) Dare, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Steve Francis and brother-in-law Stan Bain.

Bob grew up in Melrose Park, Illinois, and then moved to Berkley, Michigan in 1956. Bob graduated from Berkley High School in 1957 and became a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, mentoring and patiently coaching young kids. He apprenticed under A J Aebel & Sons Pipe Organ Co., installing and tuning pipe organs and tuning pianos. For more than 60 years, Bob lived his passion for music as a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, tuning and repairing pianos as a sideline. He apprenticed young piano tuners, was elected as the treasurer for the Lansing chapter of the Guild for several years, donated his time to tune countless pianos pro bono, and was in great demand for his high standard in producing a beautiful sound from each piano he worked on.

Bob worked for Sears Roebuck, then Ford Motor Company in Chicago, then Chrysler’s Sterling Heights Stamping Plant for a short time, then back with Ford but in supervision; he worked at the Dearborn Stamping Plant, Louisville Assembly in Kentucky, and Wayne Truck Plant in Michigan, retiring after 30+ years and finishing his career as a QC Superintendent. Bob was active in disaster relief for hurricanes, and he traveled all over the country to assist those affected by catastrophes. He served with the local Red Cross to assist the victims of house fires, and was a foster dad to several foster sons and daughters.

Bob was a great and loving husband, father, and friend. He was generous and patient with his time and talents, and was always first in line to help his family, friends, and soon-to-be friends. He was a hard worker with an excellent work ethic, something he learned starting at an early age. He had several jobs in his youth, including holding multiple paper routes, stocking shelves/ assisting at a pharmacy, caddying at a golf course, and delivering Fuller Brush products. Bob loved singing, laughing, spending time with family, camping, sports activities, and talking with strangers. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn. Bob loved Our Savior and is now whole and healed with Him.

Viewing will be at on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at Martenson Family of Funeral Homes in Allen Park, Michigan, 10915 Allen Rd Allen Park, MI 48101.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Bob to The First Presbyterian Church of Lapeer, 433 N. Calhoun St. Lapeer, Michigan 48446.