Robert F. Dinunzio

For those who knew Bob (affectionately called Bobby) if you told him you were out of something, expect it to be waiting on your doorstep a few days later. Small gestures like this embody the values Bob held dear, instilled in his eight children, and passed on to his thirteen grandchildren. Robert Francis Dinunzio, 77, of Newington Connecticut, died at Hartford Hospital on August 1, 2024, after a short illness.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 24, 1947. Bob attended Rocky Hill High School and, after graduation went to work as a Police Officer and Senior Public Safety Dispatcher for the Newington Police Department from 1970 to 1995. He was also trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, CPR Instructor and was the one-time President of the Newington Volunteer Ambulance Association. In 1988, he was awarded the Certificate of Merit from the National American Red Cross, the organization’s highest life-saving award, after Bob used his Red Cross training to save and sustain a human life. After retiring from the Newington Police Department, Bob went to work for the State of Connecticut in 1996 as a Judicial Marshal at the Bristol Superior Court, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. In 2014, Bob was especially proud to receive the State of Connecticut’s Liberty Bell Award, given in recognition for his more than 40 years of outstanding public service. That Bob dedicated his life to the service of others shows just how much he loved his community and its residents.

Bob met the love of his life, Sue in 1973 at a singles dance on the Berlin Turnpike. Excited to start their new lives together, they married on August 9,1974 and soon thereafter moved to Newington, Connecticut to start a family of their own. Bob and Sue ended up having eight beautiful children. Because of this large family, most would think the chaos overwhelmed Bob and Sue. In fact, they embraced the rowdiness of their large and loving family. Bob is survived by his children Paul (and wife Stephanie), William (and wife Leslie), Jay (and wife Laurie), Peter (and wife Gabrielle), Emily (and husband Todd), Stacey, Nick (and wife Christine), and Daniel (and wife Nicholle).

Though Bob enjoyed cooking, clay shooting at his gun club, and collecting pens, his most cherished and prized role was that of being a grandparent. Bob treasured his time with his thirteen grandkids and loved being their Poppy/Papa, never failing to make the annual Dinunzio Christmas special, recalling thrilling stories from his days on the force, or adventures his own kids had while he and Sue were out of the house. For Bobby, the typical dysfunctional family dynamic was perfect in every regard, with insightful wisdom of hard work and mutual kindness passed down from one generation to the next. Bobby is additionally survived by his grandchildren Carys, Mia, Max, Tommy, Chase, Maddy, Ryan, Andrew, Hadley, Knox, Adalyn, Caleb, and Nellie.

Bob will always be remembered for his witty remarks and inviting presence. Even though Bob and Sue's house only had three bedrooms, they made do with eight kids, and one was always welcome to stay over. We'll always imagine him saying "Ya know, I know a guy" citing his many friendships and connections made throughout his lifetime, one more time. We truly couldn't have asked for a better patriarch of our vast and dynamic family. He was the best son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather one could have to love. Bobby will live on in the hearts and homes of those who hold him most dear.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 8th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Dillon Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Church, 183 Church St. Newington, CT. on Friday, August 9th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to CCARC (Supporting People With Disabilities)