Robert Conrad Ouellette

Robert Conrad Ouellette, 81, of Nashua, New Hampshire passed away on June 8, 2025. Born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on March 31, 1944, he was the beloved son of the late Conrad Ouellette and Anne (Keenan) Ouellette.

Robert was a graduate of Marblehead High School, Class of 1962, and a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. He began his career as a draftsman with General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts where he worked before transitioning to a long and dedicated career as a contractor for the United States Air Force, a role he held with distinction for over 40 years.

Over the course of his service for United States Air Force programs, Robert became a highly respected subject matter expert in Configuration Management, making an indelible impact on some of the Department of Defense’s most critical and complex programs. Beginning in 1995 with the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Bob quickly became known not only for his technical expertise but for his calm mentorship and unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions were pivotal to the success of multiple programs, including the AWACS program, and later, the Family of Advanced Beyond Line of Sight Terminals (FAB-T).

Colleagues and commanders alike sought out Bob for his rare ability to shape and codify efficient, repeatable processes that stood the test of time. He helped formalize best practices in acquisition through the development of internal organizational instructions and training programs, leaving a lasting institutional legacy at Hanscom Air Force Base. One senior colleague reflected, “No one better understood how to turn complex systems into sustainable realities. Bob made us all better, he will be deeply missed. The world and The Department of Defense are not as good without him.”

Bob was not only admired for his professional achievements; he was cherished as a mentor, a steadfast colleague, and a true gentleman. He found great joy in traveling and fishing the waters of the North Shore of Massachusetts in his younger years and, above all, he cherished time spent with his granddaughter, Addison. He regularly traveled around New England to watch her perform on stage, learn about her successes at school, or just stop by to share a meal with her.

He is survived by his son, Robert Ouellette, and his wife, Kathryn, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; his treasured granddaughter, Addison Ouellette; and his former wife, Dianne Stratton of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Pennfield School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island: https://www.pennfield.org/opportunities-for-giving/ Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com