With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Robert Eugene Anctil, a lifelong resident of Littleton, Massachusetts. He passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. He was 92 years old.

Bob was born on September 3, 1933, in Ayer, Massachusetts to Hope Fletcher and Eugene Anctil. From the beginning, he was known simply as “Bob.”

Bob worked tirelessly to cultivate an adventure-rich life. As a young man, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern, a profession well suited to his thoughtful, practical mind and steady curiosity about how things worked.Over a 35-year career as an Electronics Engineer with the U.S. government, he worked on a range of aerospace projects, including the GEODDS (Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance) system, which frequently took him to Socorro New Mexico, Alaska, Maui, Diego Garcia, and South Korea.

When not working, Bob immersed himself in his many hobbies. He found joy in golfing, gardening, the stock market, furniture making, and classic car restoration. He took trips with his wife, Sally, to China, Cambodia and Thailand. They spent time in Europe to indulge Bob’s golfing and floated river cruises in their later years. Bob also enjoyed traveling alone and fondly spoke of his solo voyage to Africa. He extended his love of travel to his children and as he grew older, often adventured with his daughter Carolyn. Together, they bicycled from Vienna to Prague and embarked on wildlife safaris in Costa Rica and Africa.

Bob’s true love was skiing. In his 70 plus years of enjoying the slopes, he skied all over the country, in Europe, and from a helicopter in Canada with his children and their spouses. Alta Ski Area in Utah, where his daughter Carolyn lived, was his favorite.

Bob was a life-long learner. Whether he was solving a problem, tending a garden, or heading for the slopes, Bob brought quiet competence and a sense that things were simply better viewed through the eyes of an engineered solution. Bob was also an avid reader, his house and room at River Court were filled with hardcover books. He faithfully read the Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal daily.

Above all, Bob was a family man. He was exceptionally dedicated to his wife Sally, staying by her side through her long battle with dementia. He didn’t want to live anywhere without her. The pair could often be seen holding hands or speaking sweetly to one another. Bob was a dedicated father to his two children. He always supported their ambitions with incredible pride, prioritizing their educational journeys. Bob was a steady presence, a source of wise, but funny counsel and the most trusted person in the room to handle whatever maybe needed fixing.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sally Ann Anctil (Wright). He is also survived by his daughter, Carolyn, her husband Kenneth Libre, their children, Ulla and Fletcher; and by his son, Rob, Rob’s former wife Pia, and their children, Travis and Kendra. Bob’s physical strength, wit, intelligence, and devotion to his family will be remembered with love.

His children are forever thankful for Lorena, a true friend who took Bob on weekly adventures and shared many laughs and stories. Bob’s family is grateful for the amazing team of caregivers who brightened Bob’s day, especially Sandra, Kristi, Mary from PT, Noel, Andy and Monica. They are also grateful for Christina, Lisa and Tara who provided outstanding compassionate palliative and Hospice care.

A celebration of life will be held in The Haven at the River Court Residences Groton Massachusetts. Wednesday May 27th from 1-3 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bob’s favorite charity:
The Pan Mass Challenge
77 4th Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
https://egifts.pmc.org/RA0055

An organization that he donated both his time and money.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton, MA 01450 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com