Robert V. Touchette, of Amelia Island, Fla., died November 29, 2018 after a short illness.
Mr. Touchette was born at home in Mexico, Maine on October 10, 1930 to Joseph W. and Loretta (Legere) Touchette. He was educated in the parochial and public schools of Rumford, Maine and graduated from Stephens High School in the class of 1949. He attended the University of Maine and earned degrees in chemical engineering and pulp and paper technology. After serving as a lieutenant in the artillery, he returned to the University of Maine and under a teaching assistantship earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering while becoming a member of several academic honor societies. He later received an MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
While in the service, he married Marion Martel of Eastchester, N.Y. on August 20, 1955. They had twin daughters Mary L. and Janice M., and one son, Robert “Bob” J.
After college, he joined the International Paper Company at the mill in Ticonderoga, N.Y. Progressing through the ranks, he was named mill manager in 1967. He subsequently managed mills for International Paper in Maine, Louisiana and South Carolina, in addition to assignments in the corporate office in New York City. In 1983, Mr. Touchette joined Miami Paper Corporation in West Carrollton, Ohio as president, followed by being named president of Flambeau Paper Company in Park Falls, Wisc. and president of Cross Pointe Paper Company with corporate offices in St. Paul, Minn.
On November 23, 1984, he married the former Rosann (La Pointe) Kingsley. She brought seven children to the marriage. Their lives have been filled with love and happiness. In their retirement, they especially enjoyed being visited by and visiting with their children and grandchildren. They were avid tennis players as well as occasional golfers while also enjoying social occasions with their many friends on Amelia Island and elsewhere.
He was predeceased by his parents and both of his brothers, Norman and Edward Touchette.
Mr. Touchette is survived by his wife, Rosann, who now resides in Palm City, Fla.; his son, Robert J. Touchette and significant other Allison Barrow of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter, Mary Clontz and husband Jerry of Summerville, S.C.; daughter, Janice Touchette of St. Paul; stepchildren, Margaret Glaser and husband Hans of Pauma Valley, Calif., Harry “Butch” Kingsley and wife Cindy of Port St. Lucie, Fla., John Kingsley and wife Leslie of Port St. Lucie, Mary Pauly and husband Jeffery of Palm City, Michelle Naughton and husband Jack of Grants Pass, Ore., Monique Berube of Troy, N.Y., and James Kingsley and wife Mary Anne of Lowville, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren, Matthew, Martine, Hannah, Jake, Danielle, Christopher, Haley, James, Benjamin, Molly, Jeremy and Jenna; and three great-grandchildren, Marqual, Marcell and Landon.
At his request, there will be no service.
Contributions as a memorial may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.
An online guestbook is available at treasurecoastseawinds.com.