ST. GEORGE — Robert J. Earle, 71, died July 8, 2013, at his home here after an extended illness.

Born in Cohasset, Mass., June 24, 1942, he was the son of Clark C. and Mary Gaffney Earle. From the age of 4, Bob and his sister, Barbara Earle, were raised by foster parents, James and Gertrude McMaster in Merrimac, Mass.

He attended local schools and was a 1960 graduate of Pentucket High School.

Two of the most influential people in Bob's life were Mrs. Grace Leslie and Mary Anne Norman, who fostered his great interest in music. Bob ultimately attended New England Conservatory of Music, where he majored in organ. He was a 1977 graduate of New Hampshire Technical Institute, earning his degree as a registered nurse.

For several years Bob worked in various hospitals along the East Coast. In 1990, he moved to Maine to become director of nursing at Shore Village Nursing Center in Rockland, where he worked until 1992. From 1992 to 1996, he worked as a nurse with Kno-Wal-Lin Home Health Care in Rockland.

From 1996 to 1998, he enjoyed working as a sternman with John Hall, lobstering out of Port Clyde.

Twice from 1992 to 1994 and from 1998 until retiring due to illness in 2012, Bob was able to fulfill his love of music, serving as organist at St. Peters Episcopal Church in Rockland.

Bob loved being near the ocean, music and reading.

Other than his parents and foster parents, Bob was pre-deceased by his sister, Barbara Earle Jans in 2010. He is survived by many friends and his partner of 16 years, Herbert D. Coburn.

A Requiem Mass and funeral will be held Friday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church on White Street in Rockland. The Revs. Ralph Moore and James Bochino will co-officiate, with the Rev. Peter Jenks assisting. Interment will be in Achorn Cemetery on Old County Road in Rockland.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with Bob's family, visit his Book of Memories online at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins.