Robert A. "Bob" Cafaro

1943 - 2021

Groton - Robert A. "Bob" Cafaro, 77, of Groton passed away Feb. 21, 2021 at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, New London, where he received excellent care from the doctors and nurses in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Bob was a native of Groton. He was the son of the late Dominick and Lillian Cafaro, and was also predeceased by his sister Amelia Zuliani; and his beloved wife Vera (Linek) Cafaro. They were married 38 years.

He is survived by his nephew Jeffrey Zuliani and wife Kathleen (Ritorto) Zuliani and their sons, Jack and Dominick from Groton; brother-in-law Robert Zuliani from Groton; nephew David Gellar and wife Catherine and children, Olivia, Justin and his wife Destiny, Hannah and Luke from Old Lyme; niece Sheri (Gellar) Morin and husband Scott and children, Chelsea and Caitlin from Bradenton, Fla.; great-great-niece and nephew Rowan and Brooks Gellar from Mytrle, Miss.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Marsha Gellar from Bradenton, Fla. The oldest living relative is Aunt Emily (Cafaro) Bango, 95 years young, from New Haven. Bob also leaves behind a dear friend Sally D'Angelo; the family is so grateful for all she has done for Bob.

Bob graduated from Fitch High School in Groton in 1961. His wife Vera used to say, "Bob still lives a stone throw from his high school." Bob loved Groton and could not imagine living anywhere else. Bob graduated from technical college in Hartford. He was employed by General Dynamic Electric Boat in Groton until he retired as nuclear electrical design engineer supervisor.

Bob was a life member of the Groton Lodge of Elks #2163 for 54 years. He became an officer and rose through all seven chairs and became exalted ruler. In 2002-2003, Bob was awarded the Elk of the year award. As a past exalted ruler, he chaired many committees and was the dock master. He took this position very seriously, but it did come easily for Bob due to his love of boating and fishing. He served as president of the past Exalted Rulers Association. He participated in the Bluefish Tournament and the Bluefish Dinner. Bob loved to cook for many committees that were having dinners. Once a month, he volunteered to help with the spaghetti dinner and make his famous sauce. Being an ELK, Bob made many longtime friends who became true brothers. Many of them were his fishing buddies.

Bob loved sports, especially the New York Yankees and the New York Giants and his bus trips to the games with his friends.

Bob was a hometown boy, who loved his family and friends and community. Bob was a veteran in the U.S. National Guard for a decade. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a time and place to be announced. Donations can be made to the Elks Club Charities committees. Please visit www.byles.com to share a memory or condolence with the family.