SPRUCE HEAD — Robert Arthur “Bob” Milikowski, 90, passed away July 6, 2014, after a long illness.

Bob was born Oct. 3, 1923, in Manchester, Conn., to Charles and Theresa Braun Milikowski.

He is survived by his daughter, Martha Delahunty; his sons, Robert M. Milikowski, and Eric Milikowski and his wife, Shannon; his grandchildren, James Milikowski and his wife, Jessica, Erin Walpole and her husband, Nate, Austin Mack and Brooke Milikowski; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, June and Raymond Pokoski of Camden; and his sister, Jeanne Wicker. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Margaret Milikowski; and his brother William Milikowski.

He graduated from Manchester High School and then trained as an aircraft master mechanic at aeronautics school in New York. He was employed by American Airlines during World War II and also at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. He returned to Manchester, Conn., to operate the family business, a flower and gift shop founded by his parents in 1923. He became one of the area's most respected florists. He also owned another flower and gift shop, Bollerer's Flowers, in West Hartford, Conn.

Beyond being a successful businessman, Bob enjoyed many things and had many talents. While living in New York City in his early 20s, he was a drummer in a jazz band, which seeded his lifelong passion for jazz. He enjoyed almost any sport and was an avid golfer and won the Manchester Country Club Championship in 1965. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Indianapolis 500 in person. He loved his dog, Kelley, and took her with him wherever he could. He had a deep appreciation for nature and often captured the beauty of nature in his photography. In 1996 he traveled to Peru to see the Andes Mountains.

Much to his delight, he retired to his home on the beautiful coast of Maine in 1989, where he enjoyed years of sightseeing, boating, fishing and taking in glorious sunsets over Wheeler Bay. When he wasn't on the water, he was "playing" in the woods, which meant clearing and grooming his property. He thoroughly loved living in Maine and the good people he knew there.

The family is forever grateful to his longtime caregivers, Steve Griffin and Jacqueline Fuesz, for their amazing compassion and devotion. They would also like to acknowledge the Rackliff family of Spruce Head, for their heartwarming friendship and helpfulness through the years.

A memorial service was held for Robert on July 12, 2014, at Saint James Church in Manchester, Conn.

Those who wish can consider making a charitable donation in honor of Robert to the Maine Audubon Society, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Local arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.