Robert W. Skrzypiec

On Saturday, (November 1, 2003), Robert W. Skrzypiec of Southington and Hollywood, FL passed into the arms of his heavenly Father at home surrounded by his family and friends after a valiant battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Susan (Grosky) Skrzypiec; his daughter, Rebecca W. Skrzypiec and his daughter, Katrina L. Skrzypiec and her fianc e, Kasey Michaud all of Southington. He also leaves the light of his life, his beloved granddaughter Skylar, who knew him as "Papa'. He was the son, of Lillian (Lee) Skrzypiec of Southington and the late Adam A. Skrzypiec. Bob leaves brothers, Terry and his wife, Linda of Bristol, Jeffery and his wife, Gail of Milldale and Timothy of Alaska. He also leaves a favorite aunt, June Bobrowiecki; his mother and father-in-law, Millie and Frank Grosky; and a godson, Trevor Crookes all of Southington. He will be fondly remembered by his close friends, Bonnie Morrell-Adler, Dave Crookes, Bob Boucher and Jim Plawecki. Robert was proud to serve and protect the people of Southington for over 25 years with the Southington Fire Department. He was a firefighter and member of the ambulance personnel, having earned the rank of Captain and the position as the town's first Training Officer. He retired from the Department in 1993, but in his heart he never left the fire service. He also served on the Southington's Commission for the Handicapped for many years. Bob held the rank of a sargent during the Vietnam Conflict with the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Goodwin Tech of New Britain and a graduate of Bloomfield Fire Schoool and a graduate of the Conn State Police Bomb School. He was one of Southington's first EMT's, and was an instructor for the Red Cross and the Heart Associtaion. He trained a group of people in Wolcott in First Aid, extrication and ambulance operations in 1973, this group became the Wolcott Vol. Ambulance Assoc. Bob shared many good times with many good friends as a member of the Gang of Scarpa Shoda, the American Legion Kiltonic Post #72 and the Polish Falcon's Nest #307. He was also a member of the Southington Elks Lodge #1669, having served as the Exalted Ruler in 1992-93, as well as being the executive chef for the Elks Apple Harvest Oktoberfest. He was an avid bass fisherman and shared his hobby with friends and family. A good day for him meant being out on the water at Candlewood Lake, fishing with the boys. Bob was known for his spectacular sense of humor. He was fun-loving and full of the devil, he could bring a smile to anyone's face. His quick wit spurred lots of laughs and he maintained it during his wellness. He will be remembered as a faithful husband, devoted father, son, brother, friend and an adoring Papa. Friends and family are invited to pay their respect at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., for calling hours Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday Nov. 5, at Noon at the Zion Lutheran, 531 Woodruff St., Southington. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors. Donations may be made in his memory to the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Networked, (CISD) c/o Charlie Epstein, 19 Crest Dr., Cromwell, CT 06416.