NASHUA, N.H. — A tragic incident at a local country club on Saturday night has left a community mourning the loss of 59-year-old Robert DeCesare, who was killed while dining with his family at Sky Meadow Country Club. His widow described him as a hero, stating he died while attempting to protect her and their daughter during the shooting.
DeCesare was enjoying dinner at the Prime restaurant when Hunter Nadeau, a former employee of the club, allegedly opened fire. Nadeau has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, with an arraignment scheduled for Monday. Authorities reported that in addition to DeCesare, two others were shot, and several more sustained injuries during the chaos that unfolded.
Charlene DeCesare, Robert’s wife, recounted the harrowing moment she first saw the shooter enter the restaurant. She described how he seemed to be targeting an employee, and as her husband tried to shield them from danger, he was shot. “My husband got caught in the fire trying to protect us,” she said.
Witnesses stepped in during the attack; one man reportedly used a chair to strike Nadeau, helping to subdue him until authorities arrived. Police noted that the swift actions of patrons likely prevented further loss of life, as officers apprehended Nadeau within half an hour in a nearby area.
In the wake of her husband’s death, Charlene expressed overwhelming grief, focusing now on caring for their three children. “Our lives are forever changed in one moment that would be senseless except for the belief that Rob was trying to protect me and my daughter, and maybe others there too. In our hearts, he’s a hero,” she said.
Describing Robert as a family man who enjoyed golf, poker, and pickleball, Charlene emphasized the love he shared not only with his family but also within the wider community.
She urged the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting, stating that such talk only complicates matters for those affected and the police investigating.
In an emotional reflection, Evie O’Rourke, Robert’s mother, shared that he was looking forward to walking his daughter down the aisle at her upcoming wedding. The family now grapples with the profound loss as the community rallies to support them through this tragedy.