ROCKLAND — Robert Charles Bentley, 57, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Rob, or "Bentley" as he was affectionately known by friends and family, was born on August 16, 1968, in Manchester, Connecticut, to Frederick York Bentley and Dorothy Jean (Hughes) Bentley. Following his parents' divorce, Rob was raised in Connecticut by his mother and his stepfather, Frank Merrill, where he grew up alongside his three siblings: Steven, Lorry, and Sharon.

Rob’s childhood in Connecticut was filled with memories of the family plaza operated by his parents and adventures by the river behind his home. It was in that very river that Rob learned to swim—a lesson prompted by his older brother tossing him in. Decades later, Rob took a much gentler approach when teaching his own daughter Brea how to swim.

A 1986 graduate of Tolland High School, Rob moved to Maine at the age of 17. He began his career on the water, working as a sternman on a scallop boat out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. However, he found his true professional calling on land. For the past 30 years, Rob has been self-employed. He started by subcontracting roofing and siding jobs with local contractors before transitioning to operate Shoreline Roofing & Siding in Mid-Coast Maine for the last 15 years. He built an unmatched reputation for professionalism and quality craftsmanship, taking immense pride in every roof he completed. His family fondly remembers how he would point out homes he had worked on everywhere they went.

Rob lived life with a vibrant energy. He had a lifelong passion for Rock n’ Roll, T-Top Z28 Camaros, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was equally at home on the water, sharing his deep knowledge of the ocean with his family on the docks in Owls Head. Whether it was trophy-winning deep-sea fishing trips with his wife and friends or quiet afternoons pole fishing with his daughter Brea and grandson, Johnny, the water was his sanctuary. Rob was also a talented drummer and an avid pool player. Above all, he was a fiercely loyal friend who would drop everything to help someone in need.

In 1997, Rob met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Beth" (Emerson) Bentley. They were married on January 2, 2000, in Rockland. Together, they raised a beautiful blended family in the home where they resided until his passing.

Rob was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy; his father, Frederick; his stepfather, Frank; his granddaughter, Stasi Marie Long; and many dear friends, including his lifelong best friend, Cliff Crandall.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beth; his children, Brea Bentley and her partner Ian Long of Dover-Foxcroft, Tasha Lamontagne of Thomaston, Justin Postupack and his wife Courtney of Virginia, Amber Rupe and her husband Travis of Clarksville, Tennessee, Tabetha Campbell and her husband Brian of Lewiston, and Katherine Bentley and her partner James Flaherty of Rockland.

He also leaves behind his three siblings, Steven, Lorry, and Sharon; and 12 grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Johnny Thompson, Robert and Rory Rupe, Zoey Gammon, Charles, Lucian, Elena, and Olivia Campbell, Brooklynn Bentley, Sensi McAfee, Melina Rees, and Nova Lamontagne.

Friends are invited to join Rob’s family for visiting hours which will be held on January 8, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Maine.

A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2026.