Robert Sibley Birge

He was born in Hartford, CT on May 9, 1947 to the late Wesley and Gertrude (Sibley) Birge. After graduating high school, he worked as a small engine mechanic, and then attended Thames Valley State Technical College receiving his degree in engineering and working for Pratt and Whitney for a short time. He decided to couple that with his strong desire to help people. With this thought in mind, he joined both the Connecticut State Police and the Army National Guard. His Connecticut State Police career saw him retire as a Trooper First Class from Eastern District traffic unit. While he was in the National Guard he spent most of his career with 242nd Engineering Group. He received an Honorable Discharge holding the rank of Major from Headquarters STARC in Hartford, CT, giving selflessly of himself to others throughout his career. Bob served his country and his state with pride and professionalism. After an early retirement, Bob exemplified lifelong learning by earning a BA in Business Management, a Real Estate license, and a certified Broker license, owning and operating his own real estate business.

Bob also spent a lifetime of fishing the waters of Long Island Sound, which began at an early age mating on his father’s boats until he became the Captain of his own boat. Captain Bob greatly enjoyed taking his family and friends on many fishing trips and pleasure cruises, and more recently developed a passion for Florida fishing. He also used his Captain’s license ferrying boats in Long Island Sound as well as up and down the East coast. Bob also enjoyed pistol shooting in his free time. He was involved with the CSP Pistol Team and was an active member of the Quaker Hill Rod & Gun Club. It was at QHRGC that he continued with his pistol competitiveness, as well as being a benefactor of the N.R.A.

Bob enjoyed gardening and cooking in his spare time, trying to grow the biggest, most delicious tomatoes, and his Baked Stuffed Shrimp recipe was published in a local cookbook.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Trantalis) Birge, his daughter; Kimberly Birge-Liberman and husband Phil, step-son; Christopher Paradis and wife Tammy, and grandchildren; Wesley & Norah Birge-Liberman and Jacob & Hayley Paradis as well as his sister Betty Tonnuci and nieces and their families.

Bob’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the professionalism and exemplary care provided over these past two trying years to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Sarcoma and Bone Oncology, Brigham & Woman’s Hospital, Hope Lodge in Boston, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and Emergency Department, Bayview Nursing and Rehab., the V.N.A. of Southeastern CT, members of the Goshen Fire Department, Hospice of Southeastern CT and the Doctors, Nurses, and Heath Care Providers where Bob made fast friends.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Bob to support sarcoma cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Sarcoma and Bone Oncology, P.O. Box 849168, Boston MA 02284, Hospice of Southeastern CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or a charity of your choice.

Please join us for a Celebration of Bob’s life to be held on July 28, 2018, at 5:00 PM at Camp Niantic Army National Guard Base, 38 Smith St., Niantic CT. 06357.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com