Robert O. Branch Jr., 92, formerly of Pepperbox Road and currently of Beechwood Drive, died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at his residence.
Mr. Branch was born on Sept. 28, 1920, in Willimantic, the son of Robert O. Branch Sr. and Ruth (Talcott) Branch. Some of his favorite stories were of his boyhood memories sailing his canoe on Hall’s pond, sledding down Lewiston Avenue, spending summers at the church camp his family helped build, and playing the saxophone in clubs beginning at age 14.
Bob attended Williston Academy and Union College, and served in the U.S. Air Force in Paris during World War II. After the war, he worked at the Howard Johnson’s restaurant on Bank Street in New London, which he managed until retirement 36 years later.
In 1947, Bob married Norma Forsyth of Waterford, his loving companion of 64 years. They had three daughters, Holly, Diana and Vickie. A lifelong accomplishment was their beautifully landscaped home and gardens. Bob always had a project, whether building clocks or refinishing furniture in his shop, working in the yard and vegetable garden, or cutting and splitting ten cords of firewood each year. He and Norma loved being with friends and family, playing bridge, sailing, fishing, and traveling. Bob particularly enjoyed his year at Atria, with friends old and new, and getting the most out of every moment.
Bob is survived by daughters, Holly Frederick and her husband, Ric, Diana McMasters and her husband, Paul, Vickie Branch and her partner, Leslie Williams; and grandchildren, Kyle Davis Frederick, Christopher Robin McMasters, and Kelsey Forsyth McMasters, all of whom he was so very proud.
His sisters, Clara Branch Anderson and Marion Branch Haughton predeceased Bob. Spending time with their families meant a great deal to him.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Please visitwww.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photo, tributes and updated service information.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Friends of Harkness, P.O. Box 10, Waterford, CT 06385.