Robert D. Eliasson

Eliasson- Robert D. Eliasson, 92 a long time resident of Preston, beloved husband of Shirley (Bourne) Eliasson died Wednesday Dec. 27, 2017 at Backus Hospital. Robert was born in Norwich, son of the late Carl Theodore and Freda A. (Reif) Eliasson. He was a U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and fought in the battle of Okinawa in the South Pacific where his ship was sunk by a Japanese Kamikaze strike. Bob ran his own gas station for 15 years on the west side of Norwich where the current Norwich Police Station now sits. He retired in 1991 from Electric Boat where he worked as an outside machinist. He loved to travel and took a cross country trip soon after retirement. He was a devoted member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Norwich, where he was a member of the usher program, and was a founding member of the duet club. He was also a member of the Preston VFW. Bob was described as always being patient, fixing something or lending a helping hand. He could always be seen at his grandchildren's activities and then those of his great grandchildren. Besides his wife he is survived by his children Robert Eliasson Jr. and wife Cindy of North Carolina, Richard Eliasson and wife Carlene of Preston, and Nancy Babcock and husband Kevin of Griswold. He also leaves 6 grandchildren, Bethany, Cassondra, Katie, Matthew, Jason and Mallory along with 13 great grandchildren. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother William. Calling hours will be Tuesday Jan. 2, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Church and Allen Funeral Home 136 Sachem Street Norwich. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Wednesday Jan. 3, 2018 at 10:00 a.m at St. Mark's Lutheran Church Norwich. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery Norwich, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or to the Wounded Warriors Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.