ROCHESTER — Robert Cooper Gilman passed away in Florida on Dec. 9, 2010, after a long and rewarding life. He was born on April 30, 1920, in Laconia to John Sanborn and Ethewyn E. Maud (Garland) Gilman, the youngest of their three children. Gilman was raised in Laconia, and he served during World War II in the Army Air Corps in the European Theater (D-Day plus 28). He returned to the United States to complete his bachelor's degree in education at Keene State Teachers' College, later earning credits toward a master's degree in advanced education from the University of New Hampshire. He first taught shop in New London, where he met his wife of 62 years, Lucille Nutting Gilman, also a teacher there. Gilman became principal of the North Woodstock schools, followed by being principal of the Ashland schools. He was assistant superintendent of schools in Rochester for 22 years before he retired in 1980. He particularly enjoyed working with staff to make sure that the school system was running well, and he was always concerned with the educational needs of students who would not attend college, those with special requirements, as well those planning on college.Gilman loved the outdoors and using on his woodworking skills. He and his wife built a summer cottage in Meredith at which they enjoyed decades with their family and friends. He was a skilled woodworker, beekeeper and fly tier; he liked working with his hands. He was also interested in people unlike himself, and he and his wife took many trips abroad and throughout the United States in their travel trailer. Gilman appreciated all animals, wild and pets, and he had a series of memorable dogs during his life.Gilman is survived by his wife, Lucille (Nutting) Gilman; his daughter, Patricia and her husband, Paul Minnis of Norman, Okla.; and his son, Warren and his wife, Sue, of Palm Bay, Fla. His grandson, Aaron Gilman Minnis of Norman, also survives him, as do his sister-in-law, Hazel Nutting, his brother-in-law, Raymond Nutting and wife, Lillian, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Garland Gilman, his sister, Barbara Gilman, and his sister-in-law, Helene Nutting.Calling hours will be held Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in Laconia, New Hampshire in the Spring.In lieu of flowers, donations mat be made to Robert C. Gilman Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, 1 North Main St., Rochester NH 03867.@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits to view the online guest book.