Robert Leon Lacombe

Robert “Bob” Leon Lacombe, Sr., 88, passed away peacefully after a long illness on May 26, 2025. He was born on July 9, 1936, in Massena, NY.

Bob led a life marked by independence, entrepreneurism, and a love for adventure. He earned his Civil Engineering degree from Union College, where he also played football, and later earned his MBA from Syracuse University. He was married to his beloved wife, Alyne, for 65 years before her passing in 2022. A talented engineer, Bob moved many times for his career, but ultimately found his true home in the South Carolina Lowcountry, living on Hilton Head Island and later in Bluffton, SC. He proudly owned and operated several businesses in the area, including Lacombe Builders and Air Savannah, and he pursued his deep passion for aviation as both a charter pilot and flight instructor. When not in the air, Bob found joy in travel and reading about Civil War history. Bob was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus fraternal charity organization and was very active with it when living on Hilton Head Island and attending Holy Family Catholic Church. He also eagerly sought out challenging projects, such as making his own maple syrup and building a working replica kit car. He was known for his problem-solving abilities and could fix almost anything with a little duct tape and shellac. Later in life, he especially loved spending the summer months camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville with Alyne as well as going on frequent cruises with her.

He is survived by his loving sons, Robert Jr., and Michael, his devoted daughter, Suzanne, and daughters-in-law: Nancy, Eileen, and Wendy, and son-in-law, Ian. Bob also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Catie, Paul, Claire, Mary Grace and her husband Chase, Gabriel and his wife Courtney, Emily, Therese, Elise, and Robert. He also leaves a great-grandson, William.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Alyne; his son, William; his grandson, Preston; his sister, Mary; and his brother, John.

A Mass to celebrate Bob's life will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Chapel in Bluffton on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., with his grandson, Father Paul Lacombe, officiating. A reception will follow in the gathering hall at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. All are welcome. His adventurous spirit and his enduring legacy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.