Simsbury Obituary: Robert Williams, 71

Robert Watkin Williams of Granby passed away on May 26, 2018, at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old.

Bob was born in New York City on June 12, 1946 and grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey. He graduated from the Hill School in Pottstown, PA, received his undergraduate degree from Colgate University, and earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut. At Colgate, he ran on the track team and graduated with honors in English.

Shortly after college he married Carol Bennett, with whom he would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 8. Bob spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He then began a 39-year career with Aetna Life and Casualty, holding positions in accounting, financial planning, marketing and training.

During this time, Bob and Carol began their family and moved to Simsbury, where they lived for over 40 years. Bob coached his sons’ youth baseball, basketball and soccer teams for 10 years, and then later officiated baseball for the Hartford Board of Umpires for 26 years. He volunteered for South Congregational Church and sang in their choir as well as for the Intonations in Simsbury.

He is survived by his wife as well as his two sons, David Williams and his wife, Nancy Dietlin of Norwalk and John Williams and his wife Beri of Manchester; four grandchildren, Oliver, Brette, Henry and Mitchell Williams; his sister, Heather Bunnell and her husband Ronald of Palm Harbor, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Calling hours will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 8 at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 9 at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035.

For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.