Robert Joseph Molinari

Robert Joseph Molinari, “Bob", 84, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2016, at Backus Hospital in Norwich, after a short battle with cancer.  He was born in Hartford on January 18, 1932, a son of the late Modesto and Mary (Sartori) Molinari. After high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.  He married his beloved wife, Nell Lemieux on September 3, 1955.  They made their home and raised their family in Windsor Locks and later settled in Hebron.  For over 30 years, Bob worked for IBM as a service representative.  After retiring, he worked for FEMA.  Whenever possible, Bob and Nell traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe.  They enjoyed vacationing in their RV, on cruise ships, and taking guided tours of Italy.  Bob was a member of the Elks of Willimantic and the Sons of Italy.  He was an avid reader with a strong interest in WWII history, he enjoyed bike riding, trail walking, and he loved to listen to classical music. His favorite pastime, which gave him the greatest joy, was babysitting his great grandchildren. He will be remembered by his family as a private man who took great pride in being a good provider for all their needs and who was a devoted and loving family man.  He will be sadly missed but always remembered by his beloved wife of 61 years, Nell; his children, Nancy, Robert, Jr., Mary Jean and her fiancée Walter, and Paul; four grandchildren, Kristen and fiancé Wendell, Michael, Michelle, and Nicholas; great grandchildren, Skylar Jade and Tessa Hailee and numerous extended family and friends in the U.S. and Italy, including his longtime friend Alicia and her family in California.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Gina Marie; a brother, Joseph; and a sister, Katherine Merrigan.  Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 4th from 2 – 4 pm at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester.  The funeral will be held on Monday, Dec. 5th gathering at 10 am, followed by a funeral home chapel service at 10:30 with full military honors.  Burial will be private in the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).  The Molinari family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at the William W. Backus Hospital for the loving care they gave to Bob and his family, throughout his stay.  www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com