Atkinson, NH; Dr. Robert A. Kantola, PhD, 83, longtime resident of Atkinson, died Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Colonial Poplin Nursing Home.

Born and raised in Ely, Minnesota, son to the late Emil and Saima (Kaski-Toivonen) Kantola, he spent his childhood in the Northern Boundary Waters of Minnesota, where he experienced and proudly learned the traditions of his Finnish heritage. In 1947, he settled in Snoqualmie, Washington where he furthered his education and met his valley sweetheart, Dorothy Wallace. Bob earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1960, and later both his Master's Degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Brooklyn, New York.

Bob spent most of his technical career as a manager at the General Electric Corporate Research and Development Center in Schenectady, New York, in the steam turbine business. Throughout his career, Bob authored 26 technical publications, received 5 issued patents and 3 managerial awards, and received the prestigious Dushman Award for Technical Excellence in Aeroacoustics. Bob completed his General Electric Co. career at Lynn, MA and became President of RAK Consulting Inc, specializing in noise, vibration, mechanical design, internal flows, and manufacturing safety.

A true outdoorsman, he was an avid fisherman, skier, biker, and hiker. He also had a passion for riding his enduro motorcycle and competed in many races throughout New England. Bob also enjoyed frequent travel throughout the United States and Europe with family and friends. He was a longtime member of the Atkinson Congregational Church.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-one years, Dorothy (Wallace) Kantola; two sons, Matthew Kantola and his wife, Dr. Amy Ferguson, of Brownsville, VT and Joel Kantola and his wife, Kimberly (Woodside) Kantola, of Cape Neddick, ME; five grandchildren, Chelsea, Jonas, Sofia, Kayla, and Emma; two sisters, Ella Moore and Susan Nielsen and her husband, Marvin, all of Issaquah, WA. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Charles Kantola, in 2007.

Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home of Plaistow, NH. To send a message of condolence to the family or to share a cherished memory, please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com