Robert Arthur Benjamin Sr.

Bob was born on February 19, 1937, the son of the late Elias and Mary Delaporta Benjamin. He married the love of his life, Dawn Quaratella, on October 15, 1960, and spent 57 blessed years together. During his youth, Bob proudly served in the United States National Guard. He worked as a shipbuilder at Electric Boat in Groton, CT before retiring after 39 years of hard work.

Bob, a kindhearted soul, had an infectious zest for life and was beloved by everyone who met him. He was an avid bowler, horseshoe and tennis player. He was a loyal fan of the NY Yankees and enjoyed watching two great New England sports teams, the New England Patriots and the UConn women’s basketball team. He was a Eucharistic Minister and longtime member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Preston. Since 1991, Bob and Dawn were also very active members of the Tara Woods community in North Fort Myers, FL. and forged many lasting and wonderful friendships.

Bob was a devoted family man, affectionately referred to as “Papa” by those closest to him. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Dawn, and his children Robert Jr. and wife Terri of Salem, Tammy Fratoni and husband Paul of Plainfield, Todd and wife Kim of North Franklin, Jody of Preston and girlfriend Shannon Simpson. He adored his eight grandchildren, Kristin Fratoni, Kayla Seevers and husband Kyle, Megan, Jake, Josh, Matthew, Gregory, and Christian Benjamin; and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Emmanuel Seevers. He was predeceased by his brother James Benjamin and his sister Irene Rolfe.

Calling hours for Bob will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 5:00 - 8:00pm at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT 06360. A funeral mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00am with military honors; burial at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Cape Coral Hope Hospice 2430 Diplomat Pkwy East Cape Coral, FL 33909.

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