Obituary: Robert Steven Byrd, 73, of North Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Robert Steven Byrd, of North Branford, passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Whispering Pines nursing facility in East Haven, where he resided for the last 5 months. He was the beloved husband of the late Louise A. Byrd, who predeceased him just 8 months ago.

Robert was born in Bridgeport, CT, on September 21, 1948, to the late Steven and Elsie Byrd who made their home in Monroe, CT.

As a young man, Robert developed a love of nature and the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and siblings in Connecticut and the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. He loved muscle cars, 1960s music, playing basketball and baseball, and never said no to a promising Poker game.

Robert graduated from Masuk High School in Monroe in 1966. He followed Masuk High School Panther sports and was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. Robert always loved a classic Italian meal, enjoyed trips to the casino, and following his favorite teams and shows on television.

Robert was a former employee of the New Haven Register and the Southern Connecticut Gas Company, where he worked for close to five decades. He ended his career as a Senior Foreman.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly Byrd, Tracie Candelora, and Stephanie Byrd, all of North Branford, as well as his grandchildren, Juliana Candelora and Jeremiah Byrd who were the greatest joys of his life. He also leaves behind his brother, Gary Byrd, and his wife Diane, and daughters Valerie and Jennifer of Monroe, CT. Robert was predeceased by his brother, David Byrd, and his grandchildren, Kayla Candelora and Jaxen Byrd.

Funeral from the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, Tuesday morning, December 28th, at 10:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford, at 11:00. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends may call prior to the Mass at the funeral home from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope After Loss, 900 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511, in loving memory of Robert’s grandchildren, Kayla and Jaxen.