Obituary: Joseph Robert Piekarski

Joseph Robert “Bob” Piekarski, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday August 31 with his loving family at his side. “Bob” suffered for many years from Parkinson’s Disease which had slowly robbed him of his ability to do all the things he loved to do.

Bob was always a Jack of all trades and master of many, there was nothing he couldn’t build or fix from appliances to cars to motorcycles. Following a recent hospitalization, he was back home under Hospice Home Care. The family wants to thank Griffin Hospital and Masonicare for their compassionate care over the past few weeks.

Born on December 24, 1932, “Bob” as he was always known, was one of three children of the late Helen and Emil Piekarski. He was born at home in Shelton but grew up in Derby and Orange. He attended St Michael’s Grammar School, graduated from Derby High School and received an AS degree in Engineering from the University of Bridgeport and worked as an engineer at AVCO. Following high school, he served as an MP in the 11th and 82nd Airborne Divisions from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of the St Michael’s CWV for 50 plus years as well as the American Legion. Starting in the early 1950’s his “need for speed” became obvious. With help from his friend Bill Purcella, he would create one the Naugatuck Valley’s first hot rods, channeling a ’32 coupe and reworking the engine to earn a write up in “Honk!”.

When the road wasn’t enough to “wet” his appetite for speed, he would head out on the water in his 16’ hydrofoil. Continuing on into the early 60’s, he owned and raced several different sports cars up and down the East Coast. His favorites, his first and last race cars, were both Jaguars. After he earned a National Competition License, he would eventually, in 1964, win the New England Regional Racing Championship for the modified class in his Lister Jaguar. In addition to racing Bob was recognized as a superb race car mechanic, working on his own race cars as well as those of other racing drivers, including Indy race driver Lloyd Ruby.

During this time Bob also served as a volunteer fireman with the Derby East End Hose Company and was an active skier. He gave up his speedboat for a 72’ yawl, sailing up and down Long Island Sound.

In the 1970’s Bob decided he wanted to become a pilot. After receiving a Commercial Pilot’s license. he worked as a flight instructor and charter pilot for Bridgeport Flight Service and Palm Beach Aviation (which he also managed). Later he worked as a corporate pilot for several companies including Mack Truck.

He married Linda his wife of 52 years in 1968 and they eventually settled in Shelton where they raised their three sons. He was active member of St Lawrence Church in Shelton, most notable helping his wife run the annual carnival for 15 years.

Bob soon became enamored of Harley Davidson motorcycles and purchased a 1976 Liberty Edition which he quickly proceeded to modify, earning him an invitation to their Pennsylvania factory. He then started repairing and modifying H-D motorcycles out of his garage, his last great adventure.

He is survived by his wife Linda Beauregard Piekarski; his son Eric of Shelton; his son Gregory of Shelton and beloved granddaughter Lily and cherished grandson Tristan, his BFF; his sister Helen Segenchuk of Westwood MA and his sister Margaret Holbrook and her husband Allan of Bethany CT. He was predeceased by his son Edward in 2008. He will be greatly missed by his large extended family and his many nieces and nephews.

On Friday, friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Shelton. His burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Derby. Friends may greet the family from 10:30 AM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to www.parkinson.org or michaeljfox.org.

The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton has been entrusted with his arrangements. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.