Robert Sellew Bishel

1932 - 2022

Robert Sellew Bishel, 90, died on June 21, 2022, the first day of his favorite season, in Middletown. He was born on February 22, 1932, in Middletown, son of Sherman and Dorothy (Sellew) Bishel. Bob graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1950 and then worked as a carpenter. He was a combat veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the 45th Infantry Division. After the war he married, built his own home in Haddam, and raised his two daughters. Bob was well known in Middletown from Smith & Bishel Hardware and from the Exchange Club, of which he was the president in 1976. He learned to fly small aircraft, was an avid golfer, collected antiques, and handcrafted beautiful furniture and reproductions. Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine (Wilson), his daughters, Jody Bishel and her husband Daniel Buckley, of Ansonia, and Lynn Bishel of Wethersfield; his grandson Christian Buckley of Marlborough, MA; his brother Arthur Bishel of Middletown and sister Betsey Dean of Myrtle Beach, SC; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call on Tuesday evening, June 28 from 5:00 -7:00 pm at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning, June 29 at 10:00 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Fund (woundedwarriorproject.org) or Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (oldrhinebeck.org). To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.