Robert Newton "Bob" Blodgett

Waterford - Robert "Bob" Newton Blodgett, 77, of 155 Niantic River Road, Waterford, entered eternal life on May 22, 2014.

He was born June 4, 1936, in New London, the son of the late Newton and Anna (Meagher) Blodgett. Bob graduated from New London High School and later served in the U.S. Army.

He was united in marriage to the former Carol Chase on May 2, 1958, in Belmont Methodist Church in Massachusetts. Mrs. Blodgett passed on May 25, 2003.

Employed for many years at Electric Boat as an electrical design engineer, he later worked as an independent contractor, where he traveled the country, making many lifelong acquaintances along the

way.

Bob spent his childhood in Niantic fishing in Dodge Pond and swimming with friends to and from Wigwam Rock at McCook's Point. As an adult, he met regularly for coffee with some of these childhood

friends, as they reminisced about the good old days. Bob loved to travel, taking many adventurous trips on his motorcycle. He shared tales of his cross-country travels, and of his breath-taking trip

down California's rocky coast. But the bike trip he was most fond of was his trek across Canada to Alaska. On trips to Europe, he traveled the EuroRail, meeting folks along the way. He especially

loved Greece; it was one of his favorite places to visit. Anywhere he found himself-at home, or on the road-he was never just a passerby; he became a part of it, getting to know the folks who fed

and housed him; he knew them by name, and they knew him.

In 1968, with his wife and young children, Bob founded the East Lyme Children Theater. So passionate about this program, he donated endless hours of his time to the children, loving every moment. He

appreciated the many volunteers who helped make this an incredible program for many years, one of whom became a lifelong friend, and whom Bob later, as a life-saving effort to this friend's wife,

donated one of his kidneys. He was active in the Big Brother and Big Sister program, as well as Fresh Air, a program that took inner city children from New York to spend summer months on the shore

in Connecticut. He and his family were also members of the American Field Service, becoming a host family to many children from different parts of the world. He was an active volunteer at Seaside

Regional Center in Waterford, where he mentored a special young man for many years. His love for theater was evident as he enjoyed many Broadway plays, and locally supported the Garde Arts Center

and the Goodspeed Opera House, with his attendance and monetary donations. He was also a member of the American Legion, and while he promoted peace, he passionately supported the many veterans who

proudly served their country. Bob lived his life fully, giving generously to others, opening his home and heart, enriching the lives of so many, especially his loving family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by his three children and their spouses, Karen and Paul Cushing of Waterford, Robert and Lisa Blodgett of East Haven, Vt., and Kenneth and Jill Blodgett of Niantic; also, his

brother and sister-in-law, David and Jane Blodgett of Niantic, many cousins; and many friends he considered family. He was so proud of his 11 grandchildren,; Suzanne, Matthew, Joshua, Courtney, Amy,

Brian, Samantha, Jessica, Jackie, Chelsea, Samuel; and his five great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are asked to gather for a celebration of life from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2014, at his home.

Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home of New London is assisting the family.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by a kind gesture to someone in need, this was Bob's wish.