Robert E. Estes

‘I Have Lived The Most Wonderful Life’

Robert Earle “Bob” Estes, “The Music Man,” 79, of Fredericksburg, Va., died October 12 after a brief battle with cancer. A former Newtown resident, his children graduated from Newtown High School.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Pauline Estes of Falls Run, Va.; daughter, Deborah Tripp and her husband, Kurt; son David Estes and his wife Jackie; daughter, Dawn Medve and her husband, Chris; ten grandchildren, Erika, Evan, Justin, Michael, Sarah, Matthew, Jeffrey, Nathan, Katie, and Jack who loved and adored their grandfather.

He was born August 6, 1927, in Worcestor, Mass. He spent much of his childhood in Massachusetts playing baseball and jitterbugging with his sister, Eve, at the USO on Cape Cod. He was a World War II veteran in the US Navy and served on the USS Lake Champlain as a radar technician.

Mr Estes attended New England Conservatory of Music and graduated magna cum laude, was president of his class, and a member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity. He received his master of science degree from Bridgeport University and taught music in the Connecticut public schools for 35 years. He was a member of the Music Educators National Conference and conducted numerous semiprofessional musicals in New Canaan for many years. After retiring, he founded and conducted the Durham Chorale in Durham, N.C., for 15 years, as well as directed music at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Durham. He was a successful published composer.

In 2002, the Estes relocated to Falls Run in Stafford County, Va., where they have been very active in the community. He was a member of Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church and choir. He was the founder and conductor of the Spotsylvanians and the Falls Run Singers.

“The Music Man” loved life and lived it to the fullest. Beyond having shared his musical talents for many years, he was an avid golfer, swimmer, and loved camping with his family. Mr and Mrs Estes traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, sharing their love and laughter for life along the way.

“The Music Man” said it best, “If I were to die today, I have lived the most wonderful life and had the most loving family anyone could ask for. Have a big party!”

A memorial service was held October 16 at the Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg with the Rev Allen H. Fisher, Jr, officiating. Burial was private in Quantico National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Trudy Shelton, 113 Tallpines Avenue, Locust Grove VA 22508, or to Mary Washington Hospice, 5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg VA 22407.

The Newtown Bee        October 20, 2006