Obituary

Robert “Bob” Dumont
September 2, 1936 – June 11, 2016

Bob was born in Sanford, Maine to Maurice and Dorothy Dumont and attended St. Ignatius High School in Sanford, Maine. His family ran dry cleaning businesses throughout the Northern New England, and helped to develop Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit. One summer day on a ride to the beach he met the love of his life Claudette Morissette. Bob wooed her with his beautiful voice and they were married in the fall of 1954.

In 1962, Bob, Claudette and their young son Ricky left Maine to follow their dreams in sunny California. They settled in Orange County and Bob, true to his family roots, started and ran several successful local dry cleaning businesses such as Norge Cleaners, Lantern Bay Cleaners and J & K Cleaners.

Bob also had a passion for all things mechanical, and this was seen in his ability to repair and maintain all of his own machinery at his various businesses. This mechanical inclination also manifested itself in his fascination with helicopters and airplanes which lead him to learn to fly, where he enjoyed soaring over the beauty of early Orange County.

Aside from his family, Bob’s lifelong passion was music and entertainment, as a young man he performed for family and friends at every opportunity. A product of the early years of rock and roll, the advent of karaoke suited him perfectly, providing the ideal background to his rich voice and musicality. Bob was never shy about stepping up to the microphone, and was the quintessential host and emcee at events such as his company Christmas Party.

True to his outgoing nature, Bob became a realtor later in life, and spent the last 16 years happily working with Century 21 and his loyal clients buying and selling homes in the area. He thrived on this business until recently overwhelmed by his illness.

In 1979, Bob and Claudette suffered a horrible tragedy, losing their beloved 23-year-old son Rick. The family is comforted knowing that father and son are reunited in Heaven.

Bob is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Claudette Dumont, as well as his sister Judy Tetreault of Laguna Woods. He leaves behind sisters-in-law Mary (Merle) Taylor and Diane (Rod) Brackett of Sanford, Maine and numerous nephews and nieces.

A graveside interment will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 2:00 PM at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.