Robert ‘Bobby’ Harmon, 66

Robert Harmon

CAPE ELIZABETH — Robert E. “Bobby” Harmon, 66, died Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at Maine Medical Center.

Born in Portland on Dec. 6, 1950, Bobby was the son of the late Raymond and Edith (Libby) Harmon. He graduated from Deering High School Class of 1969, and attended Andover Business School. 

Bobby married Carla Connolly on Aug. 27, 1983, beginning their life together that would touch many others. Together, they raised three children and shared nearly 34 years of marriage.

Bobby’s entire working career has been in the trucking industry with an early start as a teen with the family-owned R.A. Harmon Trucking Company. He joined his sister Judy and brother David in the family business helping deliver produce and groceries to many local retailers.
 Bobby’s father, Raymond, believed that if your kids started at the bottom and worked their way up, it would give them a better appreciation for the company and the customer service skills needed to excel in business. Bobby lived by his father’s family motto: “The Right Way, The Wrong Way and The Harmon Way.” The company later merged with Hutchins Trucking Co. of Portland in 1978.

 Bobby and his brothers, Donny and Jimmy, traveled to the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, Mass. for the next 30-plus years loading and delivering produce for Hannaford Bros. In 2008, Bobby formed his own company, BH Transfer Services, LLC. He realized a cross-dock service would be a more efficient delivery process for vendors outside the New England Produce Center. Bobby was extremely proud when his son, Matthew, joined his company. Bobby and Matthew have worked together on all aspects of the business for the past seven years. Together, they built the quintessential family business, adding another dimension to their father-son relationship. For Matthew, this is a journey he will cherish forever.

Everyone knew Bobby as a hard worker, but he balanced that strong work ethic with the love of spending time on Little Sebago with his family and beloved dogs, Kaleigh and Hannah. In addition, he enjoyed racing horses (especially Nifty Christy), and taking many family cruises and trips to Las Vegas; he was considered to be a very lucky man while at the black jack table. He was an avid Boston sports fan, and especially enjoyed attending Red Sox and Patriots games with his son. 

Above all else, Bobby’s family was his pride and joy; the most important aspect in his life. He cherished the time he spent with Carla and the kids, and was so elated to meet his beloved granddaughter, Emma, just three months ago. Bobby loved spending time with his family members too, especially at the Harmon holiday parties where he could be found playing poker with his brothers while laughing over days gone by. He was the “go to” guy for his family and friends, and was always willing to help anyone in need. Bobby will be remembered as a loving, generous, selfless, and humble man. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Bobby was predeceased by parents.

He is survived by his wife, Carla Connolly-Harmon of Cape Elizabeth; children, Stephanie Harmon-Saunders of South Portland, Matthew Robert Harmon of South Portland and Molly Harmon of Cape Elizabeth; a granddaughter and step-granddaughter; siblings, David Harmon of Arizona, Donald Harmon of Gray, Judy Alcantara of New Hampshire, Richard Harmon of Scarborough, James Harmon of Standish, Michael Harmon of Limington and Thomas Harmon of Naples. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.