Robert Francis Tabaka

Robert Francis Tabaka August 30, 1945 - August 3, 2013 Norwich - Robert Francis Tabaka, age 67, of Preston, entered into peaceful rest on August 3, 2013, surrounded by his family, at Backus Hospital in Norwich. Bob was born in Norwich on August 30, 1945 to the late William M. Tabaka and Virginia (Matteson) Tabaka. Bob graduated from Norwich Free Academy and Thames Valley State Technical Institute with a degree in Chemical Engineering. For over thirty years, Bob worked for the State of Connecticut in the Departments of Transportation, Mental Retardation, and Public Works. Additionally, Bob worked for a number of years at Pfizer Corp. Bob loved to fish, and he and his wife Georgia spent many happy times on their power boat. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He also competitively collected stamps with his sister for over 50 years. He took great joy in restoring his 1957 Oldsmobile. Bob was a very caring person who will be dearly missed by family and friends. Bob is survived by his wife, Georgia (Slye) Tabaka of Preston; his sister Attorney Sherida Antonacci of Marlborough; his cousin Aurele Kamm and her husband Skip of Plainfield; his special niece Gina M. Antonacci and her husband Derek DiMauro of Middletown; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Christine and Richard Koch of Norwalk; his sister-in-law Sydney Slye of San Antonio TX; his brother-in-law Benjamin Slye of Lorton VA; three additional nieces and a nephew, as well as his godchild Hayley Aul. Calling hours will be at Labenski's Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Avenue Norwich 06360, on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 from 5-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 95 Rt. 2A( Poquetanuck) Preston. at 12 noon Wednesday August 7, 2013. Burial will be immediately following at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 95 Rt. 2A Preston Ct. 06365. Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.