Robert "Bobby" Lawrence Aaron

Cap’n Bobby Aaron died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 23, 2020. We think he did it on purpose to avoid the large funeral service he did not want, and we planned to have anyway. Bobby was known for his quick wit, tall tales, and big heart. He was a fascinating man, one of kind, a true Kent Island Waterman and a master of many trades. He left his mark on this world through hard work, humility, kindness, generosity and his deep care and concern for watermen. He was a highly intelligent man, recently described as a true engineer that could build almost anything. Born on July 18, 1935, to William Oscar Aaron and Carolyn A. Dadds of Stevensville, MD, Bobby grew up enjoying everything outdoors. Fishing, crabbing, and hunting were a big part of his life. He was a Boy Scout, played baseball, enjoyed ice skating, horseback riding, and playing golf. Bobby attended school in Stevensville and graduated from Stevensville High School in 1953. As a teenager, he began working on the water because of his love for the outdoors. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator working for David Nichols and cut the roads through Cloverfields and other local developments. He worked for Bramble’s on the project that dualized Rt. 50 going to Easton. Bobby was drafted in 1955 and served in the U.S. Army as a Radio Operator for the 1st Armored Division until 1957. We are guessing that he didn’t think much of being bossed around since he declined the offer to reenlist. Always the perfectionist, he would correct you if you stated that he had served for two years by answering, “No. It was 1 year, 11 months, 29 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes.” He was honorably discharged into the Army Reserves until 1963. He married the love of his life, Mary Lorraine Gardner, on December 19, 1959. They had two daughters, Debby and Brenda. In 1971, Bobby and Lorraine purchased their family home at 126 East Main Street in Stevensville. As a skilled craftsman, he used his talent to completely renovate the 100-year old home. It was at this time that he opened “The Shop” where most folks got to know him, have a few beers, and tell a few tales. The focus of his work was on anything and everything to do with working on the water. Primarily clam rigs, but including a 30’ crab boat, a 42’ workboat, crab pots, eel pots, hand-woven dip nets and more. It is a well-known fact that he would stop in the middle of a project to help anyone that came in to see him through those big green doors. Whatever someone needed, he could fix it, fabricate it or create it. He did what needed to be done to get them back to work. There have been many problems solved in his shop over a few beers and a lot of laughs. Bobby joined Masonic Lodge #180 and served as Master of the lodge in 1981. When the lodge began holding their annual ham and oyster dinners, Bobby would catch or buy bushels of oysters to donate to the lodge. He would have other lodge members join him in the shop for an assembly line shucking party. There has never been, nor will there ever be another man like Bobby Aaron. He has touched the lives and hearts of so many people. He has been a teacher and mentor to countless young men. The sign with its bright orange letters posted on his shop reminds Kent Islanders that they have lost one of their own. Beer drinking and bull spit sessions just won’t be the same without their friend, mentor and comrade. Take a ride past the shop and wave goodbye to the best man we ever knew. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Billy, and his sister, Joyce. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; daughters, Debby Freburger, Brenda Faulkner (JR); grandchildren, Bonnie Bassford (David), Joshua Humphreys, Jennifer Fitzcharles (Anthony), Erica Blackistone (Todd); great-grandchildren, Rachael and Gannon Bassford and Jaxson McCreary; sisters, Ida Jean Buckel (Joe) and Carol Aaron; and many treasured nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Compass Regional Hospice, KIVFD or KIUMC.

Robert "Bobby" Lawrence Aaron

July 18, 1935 - April 23, 2020