Obituary: Robert Malconian
Robert “Bob” Malconian, 83, Dies in Portland
PORTLAND – Robert “Bob” Malconian, a long‑time Portland resident, former Marine Gunnery Sergeant, and avid outdoorsman, died peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in November 1942 in Portland, the third child of Yertchanig and John O. Malconian—survivors of the Armenian genocide who ran a butcher shop and a small grocery‑sandwich market in the West End. The Malconians lived on Winter and Spring Streets, and Bob attended the neighborhood schools that shaped his early years.
After high school, he enrolled at Portland High School where he played football for four seasons and joined the Bronzy Club. During summer breaks he worked as a counselor at Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts, teaching campers running and swimming.
Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduating in 1961. He served both at home and abroad, including as a helicopter crew chief and gunner during the Vietnam War. For injuries sustained in combat he earned a Purple Heart. A dedicated career Marine, he reached the rank of Gunnery Sergeant before retiring from active duty.
In 1967 he married Josephine J. Russo. The couple raised two children—John and Andrea—and spent many years living in Hawaii and traveling across the country, building a family life marked by adventure and shared experiences. After leaving the Marines, Bob returned to his hometown and worked for the Portland Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) office until his retirement in 2006.
Bob was known for living fully and without hesitation. He loved long‑distance running, SCUBA diving, and camping on Sebago Lake. He enjoyed motorcycle and cross‑country road trips, morning coffee with friends, reading, and studying American history. A fan of classic films and Westerns, he often spent evenings immersed in old Hollywood and frontier tales.
He was preceded in death by his brother John H. Malconian and his sister Helen Shahtanian. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Josephine; his son John A. Malconian (Kathryn Dodge); daughter Andrea Malconian; sister Kathryn Evert (Thomas); sisters‑in‑law Camilla Raposa (Philip) and Grace Cintron (Arthur); nephew P. Richard Shahtanian (Karen); and nieces Susan Guzelian (Michael) and Sara Durgerian.
Funeral and Burial Services
Prayers will be offered at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Conroy‑Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave., Portland. This will be followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Military honors will accompany the burial at Forest City Cemetery in South Portland.
Legacy
Bob’s life exemplified courage, service, and a passion for the outdoors. His stories—from the football fields of Portland High to the battlefields of Vietnam—continue to inspire friends and family. Those wishing to pay tribute or leave condolences can visit his memorial page at www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
