Photo courtesy of Brooklawn Funeral Home - Rocky Hill
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Jul 18, 1945 – Nov 17, 2018 (Age 73)
Robert J. Bokus, beloved husband of his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Patricia (DePalma) Bokus, died on November 17.
He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 18, 1945 and was the son of the late Frank and Eleanor (Woodend) Bokus. Bob attended grammar school at St. Augustine’s School in Hartford and graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1964. He then served in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Vietnam War and retired as a Captain. He was awarded the Purple Heart. In 1973, he graduated from the University of Hartford. Bob has been owner of the Robert J. Bokus Insurance Agency in Rocky Hill for over 40 years. He has sponsored Rocky Hill Little League since his first year in business and has been a constant supporter of youth activities in town and throughout Connecticut. He was everyone’s biggest fan.
Bob was a man of faith and fun. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church since it’s inception. Bob loved nothing more than enjoying the musical and sporting activities of his children, grandchildren, and nephews. He never missed a thing. He offered his inspiration, energy and humor to make times memorable.
In addition to his wife Patti, Bob is survived by his daughters Kristin Bokus Schmeelk of Hebron and Jennifer Bokus of New York City, as well as his son-in-law George Schmeelk. Lovingly known as “Ba” he will be missed by the joys of his life, grandchildren Ian and Harper Schmeelk. Bob also leaves brother William Bokus and sister-in-law Cathy of Branford, sister Cynthia Leader of Pennsylvania, sister-in-law Diane DePalma of Newington, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brother Richard Bokus.
Friends may call to the Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook Street, Rocky Hill on Friday, November 23 from 4-7pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 24 directly in St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, St. Elizabeth Seton Campus, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Rocky Hill with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made “In Remembrance of Robert J. Bokus” to The Village for Families and Children of Hartford at thevillage.org.
We think about Bob often. He was a great guy. Always so kind and interested in others.
Kathy and Patrick Falcon
November 14, 2020 | Colchester, CT | Friend
To the Family of the Bokus family !
Deeply sorry for your loss of Mr. Bokus ! Love and prayers always !
Christine Berry
November 30, 2018 | Rocky Hill, CT
Phil and I were both deeply saddened to learn of Bobs' passing. He was a wonderful man and we will always remember his kindness.
Phil and Denise Stripinis
Denise Stripinis
November 29, 2018 | Melbourne,, FL
Patty, Billy, Cynthia and the Bokus family,
I'm sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great guy and always made you feel good. I would see him at Bulkeley High reunions and it was always wonderful to catch up with him and Patty.
We were very close at St Augustine. We were teammates on the Boys Brigade basketball team and spent endless hours playing basketball. Bob was the captain of the team and took on the responsibilities as our leader. He wore our impressive warm up suits...
Michael Fontanello
November 26, 2018 | San Francisco, CA
To the Bokus Family
We were saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a well respected neighbor in Farms Village for the 30 years we resided there. Please accept out heartfelt sympathy. Edward and Carolyn Soboleski, North Port, Florida, Paula Soboleski Delaney, Harwich Mass. and Adam Soboleski, North Las Vegas Nevada
Edward Soboleski
November 25, 2018 | North Port, FL
Dear Patty & Family,
We share in your sorrow and send heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He has left a beautiful legacy of caring, congeniality, and friendship to all those around him.
He was a very "special" man and a wonderful tribute to our Rocky Hill neighborhood!
Joan Craco, Neil Ciarcia & Jeffrey Ciarcia craco
November 25, 2018 | Rocky Hill, DC | Neighbor
I have fond memories of Bob from high school days at Bulkeley High. Truly a wonderful person.
My sympathies to Patty (BHS '64) and his entire family.
Bob Krasowski
November 24, 2018 | Alexandria, VA | Classmate
Patty So sorry to hear about Bobby. Im thinking of you and your family. We had such good times in high school. ❤❤
November 23, 2018
Dear Patti, Kristin and family,
My heart felt sympathy to all of you . Bob was such a wonderful person, inside and out. I'm glad that I had the privilege to know him. I will aways remember his smile and wonderful sense of humor. God has enrolled another angel from our class. My prayers go out to all of you. Bobby, we will miss you and may you rest in peace.
Love, Ann
Class of "64"
Ann Mazur
November 23, 2018 | Westbrook, CT