Geroges Mills, NH: Robert W. Gingras, age 85, of Cooper Street died at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Friday, May 4, 2012, follow a period of declining health. Robert was born in Melrose, MA, July 6, 1926, son of the late Arthur and Andrea (Vadnais) Gingras.

He was educated in Northfield, MA, and after high school he enlisted in the US Navy serving on the USS Memphis and the USS Helena from 1944-1946 in the European African Middle Eastern Campaign. He was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1952 he moved to Georges Mills, NH and was employed as a retail buyer for the Merit Clothing Co. in Claremont and the Eagle Merchandise and Clothing Store in Manchester, NH. Mr. Gingras was appointed Postmaster in Georges Mills in 1964 and retired in 1990. He served on several details for the Postal Service over the years and recieved a Special Recognition Award in 1971.

Robert was president of the NH Branch of the National League of Postmasters from 1980-81 and was Postmaster of the Year in 1983 for the NH Branch. In March 2008 he was selected to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the National Board at a ceremony there in Washington, D.C. That was a great honor for him. He was a co-owner of Light House Realty and the Sunapee Laundromat. He served on several committees for the Town of Sunapee, had his Private Pilot's License and enjoyed his boat on Lake Sunapee. Surviving loved ones are his lifelong constant companion Lorraine Parsons of Georges Mills, NH, his stepson John P. Carey and his wife, Maureen, of Pocomoke, MD, John's former wife Gail Carey, of Bristol, NH, his stepson Edward Ricker, of Charlestown, NH, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, from 10-11AM. There will be a service at the funeral home at 11AM. Burial will take place at the NH Veterans Cemetery, 11 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH at 10AM Thursday, May 10, 2012 with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Sunapee Historical Society, PO Box 501, Sunapee, NH 03782.