Robert E. Rawding

Rye - Robert E. “Pop” Rawding, Bob passed away on July 10, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on April 16, 1939, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to the late Charles J. and Marion (Philbrick) Rawding. Bob was a lifelong resident of Rye, New Hampshire, and an outstanding man whose kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family and community touched countless lives. He was a loving husband, an amazing father, a devoted grandfather, and a role model to many. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Paula (Tipton) Rawding; his daughter, Beverly Levesque, and her husband, Matthew, of Rye, NH; his son, Joseph “Tip” Rawding, and his wife, Molly, of Chelmsford, MA; and his four grandsons, Brady and Jaxson Levesque, and Owen and Maxwell Rawding, all of whom affectionately called him “Poppy.” He is also survived by his sister, Ruth (Rawding) Ham, and her husband, Fred, of Madison, NH; his sister-in-law, Patsy Billips of Berwind, WV; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his sister, Barbara (Rawding) Smith, and her husband, Al, of Medfield, MA, and his mother-in-law, Pauline Powell Peyser of St. Petersburg, FL. As a youngster, Bob was active in 4-H, earning a trip to Chicago for an award-winning construction project. He worked for E.L. Greene Construction as a truck driver before enlisting in the United States Army as a mechanic. Initially stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, he later served in Korea, where he drove the “Little Beaver” during Operation Desert Strike. Following his military service, Bob worked as a delivery driver for Montgomery Ward, where he met the love of his life, Paula. He was also the driver of the No. 41 JR ice racer on Burkes Pond and spent decades helping his friend Dick Batchelder with race cars at Star Speedway, Lee Speedway, and numerous other tracks. Many remember Bob behind the wheel of his push truck, helping start Batch’s super modified race car. Bob was the co-owner of Rye Tulsa for 16 years alongside his brother-in-law, Fred. He later served the Rye community as a custodian at both Rye Elementary School and Rye Junior High School. He also cared for Rye Congregational Church (formerly Rye Bethany Church) as its custodian while remaining a lifelong parishioner. For 35 years, Bob was a proud member of the Rye Lions Club, receiving numerous honors for his dedicated service. During the last 16 years, he faithfully delivered and picked up walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment for those in need, quietly improving the lives of countless neighbors. Bob will be remembered for his generous spirit, tireless work ethic, willingness to help anyone, and deep love for his family, church, friends, and hometown. His legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. A Funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Road, Rye, NH, followed by interment at Rye Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Rye Lions Club P.O. Box 466 Rye, NH 03870 or Rye Congregational Church 580 Washington Road Rye, NH 03870

Robert E. Rawding

April 16, 1939 - July 10, 2026