Robert Filion obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Robert Filion, 94 of East Haven, passed away June 10, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born January 13, 1932 in Rumford, Maine to Antonio and Alice (Contois) Filion. Robert is survived by his four devoted children, Michael Filion (Shirley) of East Haven, Scott Filion (Lisa) of Cheshire, Janet Ragusa (John) of Cheshire and Kimberly Filion of East Haven. He is also survived by five grandchildren he adored, David Filion, Laura Filion, Samantha Lavorgna (Tyler), Nicholas Ragusa (Amanda) and Louis Giangrande, as well as his two grand kitties, who resided with him, Sunny and Fanny, who will miss him immensely.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon (Taylor) Filion (2022), two brothers, Roger Fillion, and Gerard Fillion and one sister, Gabriel Corriveau.

Robert grew up in Sanford, Maine where he attended local schools, played baseball, worked at the Sanford Mill, and met the love of his life, Sharon Taylor. A proud Korean War veteran, Robert served honorably in the U.S. Army with the 9th Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. Following his discharge, Robert and Sharon married and built a life together in Connecticut, where they raised their four children and he began a long career with the Connecticut Laborers Union Local 454, spending most of his working years with Fusco Corporation and earning a cherished “gold card” for more than 50 years of union membership. Robert and Sharon were married for 66 years, until her passing.

Robert was devoted to family and community. He coached youth baseball with the Foxon Recreation League, belonged to American Legion Post 89, and was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Pompeii Church.

Robert loved returning to his home state of Maine with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time at the cottage on the lake and at Wells Beach where he indulged in steamed hamburgers, a childhood favorite. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and UConn Women's Basketball and he rarely missed a game, recital, or event involving his children and grandchildren.

Our dad had many interests including tinkering with his tractors and puttering around his workshop. Being a true "Maine-ah" he loved the outdoors. What started out with him hunting and fishing with his Uncle Bob as a young boy in Maine grew into him hunting with his own sons and nephew Tommy. In his 70's he began participating in 5k events, even placing in his age group. He adored the time he spent walking on the water company trails with his wife by his side, armed with a camera and a walking stick. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and the kindness and humor he shared with everyone who knew him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his care team from A&B Homecare and Synergy Homecare as well as Yale New Haven Hospice Care and the VA Medical Center in West Haven. Special thanks to Nicole, Nashua, Kevin and Sam for their care of our dad over the last few years.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday June 16, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at 11 A.M. in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, 355 Foxon Road, East Haven, Committal to follow with full US Army Honors at East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd. Suite 4b, Southington, CT 06489, CT 06511, in memory of our father, Robert Filion.