LEWISTON, MAINE: Bob Violette, the first victim of the Maine massacre that took place on Wednesday night, October 25, was a retired mechanic.
He was known for his love of spending time with his six grandchildren and for his role as a children's bowling coach within the community, as reported CBS News.
Bob Violette 'passed away doing what he loved'
The 76-year-old man was killed in the mass shooting in Lewiston at Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and a nearby bar called Schemengees Bar and Grille.
Born and raised in Lewiston, Violette shared three sons, Andrew, Tom, and John, whom he shared with his wife Lucy.
He and his wife, who had been married for 50 years, played in a couple's bowling league when they retired.
At the Sparetime Recreation, where the shooting took place on Wednesday, Violette had set up a youth bowling league and spent time coaching kids at the bowling alley.
Violette was remembered as someone who "passed away doing what he loved."
Speaking to the Portland Press Herald, Cassandra said Violette "wouldn't let you walk out the door without giving him a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. He was just there for everything."
She further talked about her father-in-law's love for his wife. Violette's "first thought every day was her," said Cassandra.
The outlet reported that Violette was trying to protect kids at the bowling alley during the shooting. His wife, Lucy was injured in the incident on Wednesday.
Community pays heart-touching tributes to Bob Violette
Remembering their beloved bowler, the community mourned the tragic death of Violette.
Calling him the "kindest," Brandon Dubuc wrote, "Bob Violette was one of the kindest souls in the bowling community in Lewiston. He would have done anything for the kids in the community, and he genuinely loved coaching them."
"Bob passed away doing what he loved. He is a hero in my book. Much love to all of Bob’s family, friends, and those that were touched by him throughout the community. Rest in peace, Bob. I am so very sorry," he added.
In her tribute, Sarah Vincent wrote, "Bob Violette, you will be truly missed. Not only were you a customer of mine from the alley for many years you were also a friend. I can't wrap my head around this. May you rest in peace, my friend."
Where is the Maine mass shooting suspect now?
Robert Card, 40, has been confirmed as the suspect in the Maine massacre and is still on the run.
Authorities have warned that Card is "armed and dangerous" and cautioned people not to approach him.
Maine Governor Janet Mills confirmed on Thursday, October 25, that 18 people were killed and 13 others were injured in the mass shooting.
