ENFIELD, CT — Robert Paul "Bob" Munroe, a former Enfield resident whose family remembered his knack for fixing engines, building boats and helping friends, died Sept. 23 at age 71.
Born in Hartford on March 23, 1955, to the late Claire and Arthur Munroe, he lived in Enfield as a young man before moving to Lake Park, Florida, in the early 1980s, according to his obituary published by Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center.
He married Diane "Dee" Schack on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 1991, in Windsor. The couple shared 35 years of marriage.
A self-taught diesel mechanic with more than 50 years of experience, Munroe ran his own business after working for Al Packer Ford and Murphy's (Sister's) Towing.
"There was truly nothing he could not diagnose and fix," his family wrote. "Bob was a simple, talented, giving gentleman who loved helping and teaching others."
In his younger years, he enjoyed racing and working on modified race cars at Riverside Park in Agawam, Massachusetts, and elsewhere in the Northeast.
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His family recalled his pride in donating an old naval cannon to American Legion Post 141 and helping friends transport it. According to the obituary, the cannon remains outside the post.
He enjoyed annual trips to the Driftwood Inn in Vero Beach, cooking bacon for breakfast and spending time at Waldo's. Talking and joking with friends at VFW Post 9610 and American Legion Post 141 were among his favorite pastimes.
Besides his wife, he leaves his brothers, Bill Munroe and Rick Munroe; Rick's wife, Sheila; many nieces and nephews; his stepsister, Dianne Machado; and his mother-in-law, Janice Schack and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, his youngest brother, David, and his sister-in-law, Lynn.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, according to the obituary.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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