Robert Richard Fields

PLANT CITY, Fla. - Robert Richard Fields, 76, formerly of Meriden, died Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Tampa, Fla., surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 27, 1940 in Meriden, Conn. to Lester and Irene Fields, Bob attended H. C. Wilcox Technical High School. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Fairview. Bob was a hairdresser at The Fountain Blue Hair Salon on West Main Street. In addition to his hairdressing, Bob was a longtime driver at The Connecticut Transit Company. In 1986, at long last, Bob completed his dream of graduating with his GED. Bob relocated to Plant City, Fla. in 1992, where he worked for Florida Presbyterian Homes as a painter in Lakeland. He continued his painting career at Badcock Furniture Co., also in Lakeland. Bob was an avid NASCAR fan, specifically the #48 car driven by Jimmie Johnson. He loved the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed watching their games. He was a grateful friend of Bill W. for over 33 years. Bob had a lust for life and a contagious laugh, with a smile that could light up a room. His sense of humor and wit was certainly unique and one of the things his family will miss most.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Skiffington (Wayne) and Stacy Gawlak (Daniel), of Meriden; his siblings, Thomas Fields (Jean), of Southington, Scott Fields (Tammy), of Plant City, Fla., and Carolyn Fields, of Valrico Fla.; his two grandchildren, Dillon Skiffington, of Santa Ana, Calif. and Makayla Skiffington, of Meriden; his niece and several nephews; and his former wife, Patricia Fields, also of Meriden. He was predeceased by a brother, K. James Fields.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church on West Main Street in Meriden, with military honors. Burial will be private. Contributions in Bob's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett – Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.beecherandbennett.com.