Robert E. Moody

Old Orchard Beach

Robert E. Moody, 86, of Old Orchard Beach and Saco, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on July 13, 2022.

Bob was born in Effingham, New Hampshire on December 21, 1935, to the late Clayton and Thelma (Ward) Moody. He graduated from Deering High School in 1953 and later received an Associate's Degree from Portland Junior College. Bob also served four years of active duty in the United States Navy, from 1953 to 1957, as well as 4 years as a reservist.

Bob had an extensive and diverse resume as he worked well into his 80s. The one connection in all his jobs was that they all involved working with people. He worked at several ski mountains in North Conway, NH and then relocated his family to Portland where he was a delivery driver for HP Hood and Calderwood Bakery. After earning his degree, he went to work for the Portland Parks and Recreation Department from 1967-1971. In 1971, he became the Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Saco. In Saco, Bob was instrumental in starting numerous programs to enhance the community including a teen center, the Junior Olympics, youth sports programs, Santa's Workshop, and an ice skating rink. He also created the nationally recognized Action Bound Program to instill confidence and promote teamwork in children of all ages. In 1979, Bob moved on to become the Recreation Director for the town of Cumberland which included oversight of the Val Halla Golf Course. After retiring from the recreation management field, he worked for the University of New England, owned and operated a corner convenience store in Saco and drove a bus to athletic events for the Saco School Department. He then went on to operate the trolley services in Old Orchard Beach, where he lovingly earned the nickname "Trolley Bob", for 20 years for the Biddeford Saco Bus Company, until his "real" retirement in 2020. Bob also found time to create a side job as a DJ where you could find him playing tunes, urging the party goers to the dance floor and leading line dances.

Bob's greatest passions were, first and foremost, his family, followed by his friends, hunting, ice fishing, coaching, the Red Sox, St Paddy's Day at the Kerryman, the Strike Zone, dancing, karaoking, and playing cards. Bob coached thousands of players in his more than 60 years as a baseball coach, at all levels, to include Little League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion, Deering High School, Thornton Academy and college summer league. He coached several teams to state titles that went on to play in New England Regionals and several of his players would eventually be drafted by Major League teams. His impact on his players, both in teaching baseball and life, can be heard daily as, after all these years, countless people still refer to him as "Coach Moody".

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Barbara (Dunn) Moody as well his sister Janis Moody, brother Wayne Moody and stepfather Carroll "Lucky" Devoe.

He is survived by his five children with Barbara, Tim and his wife Kathy, Shawn and his wife Pam, Mark and his wife Lori, Todd and his wife Loretta, Robyn Moody Donovan and his second wife Kathy (O'Brien) Moody. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren (Kyle, Erik, Ryan, Kris, Keegan, Madison, Morgan, Kirsten, Griffin, Danielle, Casey and Cody), 6 great grandchildren (Hannah, Andrew, James, Evelyn, Myla and Bennie), stepdaughters Colleen Fogg, Celeste Godbout and her husband Billy, Michele Deering and her husband Dave, 6 step-grandchildren (Kailey, Lauren, Johnny, Maegan, Travis and McKenzie), his brother Larry Moody and his wife Cherrie and his sister-in-law Joyce Moody.

Visiting Hours will be from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco . Burial with Military Honors for family and invited guests will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco, on Monday, July 18th. To view Robert's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Southern Maine.