DERRY, NH Robert F. Cobban, 81, died peacefully surrounded by wife and children on Wednesday, December 19, after a long illness. For 50 of his 81 years, “Bob” was the loving and well-loved husband of Nancy (Pennington) Cobban. He was born in Stamford, CT on December 7, 1926 to Margaret (Mitchell) Cobban and Robert F. Cobban Sr., and throughout his childhood was immersed in the customs, music, and dance of Scotland. Following his graduation from Stamford High School in 1943, Bob joined the US Navy, and served in the Pacific and China until the end of World War II.
Back in Connecticut, he held a variety of jobs while attending the University of Connecticut, finally settling on a company that specialized in drafting and design. This job formed the foundation for his later career, which led him to several companies where he worked on the design and production of specialized electronic connectors and later on the design and engineering of complex flexible circuitry.
These skills led to jobs in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and finally, New Hampshire where Bob and the family sank deep roots on the shores of Big Island Pond. He became a very active member of the Hampstead Congregational Church and the music that had been an important part of his childhood now became an avocation. His rich bass voice served as foundation for the harmonies of many local singing groups including the choir of the Hampstead Congregational Church, the Interfaith Choir (Salem), the Manchester Choral Society, and special presentations of the First Congregational Church in Manchester.
Living in New Hampshire also reconnected Bob with his Scottish heritage, and the annual Highland Games became a regular event for the whole family and made kilts standard in the family closets. Church amateur nights rang to the comic songs of Harry Lauder, with Bob, kilted and “bonneted” bringing down the house with the Wiggle Waggle o’ his Kilt and other Scottish favorites. Another special costume that he wore at Christmas for 30 years was a bright red Santa Claus suit. He delighted and took delight in the joy of hundreds of children sitting on his lap and sharing their secrets with him.
As well as his wife, Nancy, Bob is survived by one son, Robert Alexander Cobban and his wife, Rachel, of Derry, daughter, Marion M. Cobban of Chester and her dear friend Linda Pollack, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, two sisters, one brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews living from coast to coast. He was pre-deceased by his younger daughter, Margaret.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 1:00pm in the Hampstead Congregational Church, Main St., Hampstead.