Windsor Obituary: Robert Paiva, Sr., 73

Robert Jesse Paiva, Sr., 73, of Windsor, went to be with his Lord & Savior on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. He died peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. He was the loving husband of 52 years and best friend to Jean M. Paiva.

He was born on Narragansett Bay in Bristol, RI. He was the son of the late Blanche M. Paiva and the late Jesse M. Paiva of Bristol, RI. He made his home in Windsor, since moving there in 1967. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran having served proudly as a Jet Mechanic and Crew Chief on the F-4 Phantom jets in Southeast Asia while in the U. S. Air Force. He was a Machinist for 34 years for United Technologies lnt'l Fuel Cell Div before retiring in 2001.

He graduated from Colt High School Class of '63. In his late teens, he was a Drum Major for Bristol, RI Kingsmen Drum & Bugle Corps. He was a former Cub Master and a former Webelos Leader for Poquonock Cub Scout Pack 256. He was a former Asst. Coach for Windsor Int'l Little League in Poquonock. He served humbly as both a Deacon and an Elder for many years at Park Avenue Christian Church in Bloomfield.

Bob was an avid fisherman. He also loved boating, motorcycling and played golf for many years in UTC's Golf League. He will be remembered best as a devoted husband, the best dad, a loving son and a really great example of goodness and kindness. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. Many sought his wisdom and help. His greatest joy was in being a loving dad to his three sons.

Besides his wife Jean, he leaves to mourn his passing, his loving sons Robert J. Paiva, Jr. and his partner George Guignino of Enfield and his son Barry C. Paiva of Windsor, two sisters, Emily Peters of Ocala, FL and Deborah Don of Bristol, RI, and a sister-in-law Claire Martins of Warren, RI and his Aunt Kate Wilmarth, several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and several godchildren. Two very special families that he held dear were the Thulen family and the Jackson-Buttaro family. Besides his parents, Bob was pre-deceased by his son Scott "Bubz" Paiva, and also and his brothers-in-law Raymond W. and Russell J. Martins.

Carmon Funeral Homes are in charge of the arrangements and will welcome family and friends to a Memorial Service with Military Honors on Saturday, June 24 at 5:30 PM at the Carmon Poquonock Funeral Home 1816 Poquonock Ave, Poquonock. His family will receive friends prior to the service from 3 PM to 5:30 PM. Burial will be at the family's discretion.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, 370 7th Ave Room 1802 New York, NY 10001.