Robert J. Wesche

WESCHE Robert J. Wesche, former Monroe Police Chief, died on Friday, March 4, 2011 at age 78. Mr. Wesche was born in Bridgeport to the late Jack and Edith (Christensen) Wesche. He lived in Monroe, CT with his wife of 56 years, Margaret (Kiley) Wesche.

Mr. Wesche joined the Monroe police force in 1958. Starting as a patrolman and moving up the ranks before being promoted to chief in 1977. He served as Chief of Monroe for 21 years. During his 40 year career he took pride in serving his community. He graduated from Stratford High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Haven. He was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (serving in many capacities), he served on the Monroe Senior Center’s TRIAD group, the Commission on Aging and the Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Career Education. He was a Mason at Washington Lodge #19, a lifetime member of NE Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, Police Association of Connecticut, International Police Association, and numerous other organizations. In 1961, he was awarded the Monroe Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding work with young people in the community.

Robert was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was an avid fan in supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s competitive events as well as a fanatic supporter of the Yankees & UConn basketball.

In addition to his wife, Peg, he is survived by their three children, Robert Jr. (his wife Kathy), Kevin (his wife Christine), Linda Bespuda (her husband Steve); their seven grandchildren, Jessica & Jonathan Wesche, Andrea Sawicki (her husband David), Brandon and Alana Wesche, Stephen & Lauren Bespuda; his sisters, Edith Gasper (Richard), Anne Elizabeth Stone and brother- in-law James Kiley (Gloria). He had also been predeceased by his brother Jack Wesche.

Friends may greet the family from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 7th at Spadaccino and Gallagher Funeral Home 315 Monroe Turnpike[Rt 111] Monroe, CT. The funeral will be held on Tuesday March 8th at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 466 Elm St Monroe, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Robert J. Wesche Memorial Fund (address above) or to the Town of Monroe Senior Center 235 Cutlers Farm Road Monroe, CT 06468.