Robert M. Del Prado

Robert M. Del Prado of Middletown, Conn., formerly of Hughestown, passed into the hands of our Lord on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2024.

He was born in Astoria, N.Y., the son of the late Manuel Del Prado and the late Camille Rolek Stanis.

Bob was a graduate of Hughestown schools, where he met his future wife of 61 years, the former Ruth Ann Best, who passed away in December 2018. His career was in retail, having worked for several nationally known companies, and upon retirement enjoyed working for a sports novelty company, where he had the opportunity to attend national sporting events. Football, basketball and baseball were his hobbies after playing high school sports and then becoming a certified basketball referee.

Bob and Ruth spent their lives traveling around the U.S.A. to follow their three children's careers and the interests and activities of their grandchildren. They loved cheering them on.

They also enjoyed attending Yankee games, recent movies, reading, walking-hand in hand on the Connecticut beaches or cooking together for their family. The couple was famous for their dancing talent, especially the Polka.

A long-standing member of the Elks and Knight of Columbus, Bob faithfully served as a Eucharistic minister and lector at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church, Middletown, Conn.

Left to cherish his memory are son, Rob, wife, Cheryl; daughter, Amy; Texas; son, Randy, wife, Kris; daughter, Ryann her husband, Ryan, and children, Jocelyn, Violet and Jasper, California; son, Rick, wife, Jola, and daughters, Danae, Anetta, Connecticut; sister, Camille Stanis; sister-in-law, Nina Bachman and Eloise Antal; nieces, Jane Hadley, Jennifer, Stephanie and her son, Jameson Hadley, Pittson; nephew, Thomas Antal and wife, Mary Ann, and children, Windsor and Lulu Va.

Preceding Bob in death, besides his wife and parents, were stepfather, Peter Stanis; brothers-in-law, Geroge Bachman and Thomas Antal; nephews, Eric Antal and Jeffrey Bachman; in-laws, Louise and Benny Best and Bob and Ruths; and loyal pet, Aja.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 26, in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont, where he was a member. Burial will follow.