Robert Joseph "Bob" Urbani Sr.

Groton - Robert "Bob" Urbani Sr., was born June 5,1931 to Emil J and Beatrice Urbani. He grew up in the Italian American community around the Five Corners in Groton.

He graduated from Fitch High School and began working as an apprentice pipe fitter at EB. Bob met his soul mate and the love of his life, Sylvia A. Radicioni, at a Stonington High School dance and they married in 1951. Syl passed in June 2023.

Bob was a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve and was stationed at Key West Naval Air Station for his training. In the mid 1960s, he and his family relocated to Vallejo, Calif. where Bob became a supervisor while working for EB at Mare Island Navy Shipyard.

After returning to Groton, Bob worked in design liaison, solving problems between the shipyard and the Hill. He became chief of design liaison and was well respected for his vast knowledge of both submarines and of how EB worked with its many cast of characters. He greatly appreciated his career and also appreciated the opportunity that EB provided for himself and his family.

Bob retired in 1988. He and Syl spent 26 years of retirement between Plant City, Fla., and Mystic. While in Florida, they spent their time enjoying golf, traveling to every place that they both wanted to see, and hosting all of their family members at their home. A trip to Disney World on Bob and Syl was always part of the visit. In 2014, they moved back to Groton.

Bob was as sharp as ever until just a few days before he passed and was still driving his Cadillac around town.

He leaves behind sons, Bob Jr. and his wife Martha, Ronald and Roger, as well as their families. He also leaves behind many relatives on Syl's side of the family. He will be greatly missed.

Services are private. Please visit www.byles.com to share a memory or condolence with the family.