Robert E. Elsden

ELSDEN, Robert E. Robert E. Elsden, 77, of Enfield and Vero Beach, FL passed from this life peacefully on Saturday (July 15, 2006). He was born on Oct. 14, 1928 in Great Barrington, MA son of the late Robert W. and Helen (Mitz) Elsden he had resided in Vero Beach, FL for the past 19 yrs before moving back to Connecticut a few weeks ago, prior to living in Florida Bob had resided in West Suffield. He served his country honorably with the US Navy as boatswain mate during World War II and the Korean War on the USS Braine. Prior to his retirement in 1987 Bob was a high school teacher in the Connecticut and Massachussetts area for 36 years. In his leisure time he enjoyed coin collecting, crossword puzzles, collecting matchbooks and was active politically following various issues. Bob was a NRA lifetime member and member of the CT Teacher's Retirement Assoc. He is survived by two sons; Master Sgt. Dean Majka of Virginia Beach, VA, and Robert E. Elsden, Jr. of West Hartford, and a daughter; Jessica Rybeck of W. Suffield, five grandchildren Jennifer Leach, Elizabeth D'Onofrio, with whom he recently made his home, Nathan Elsden, Emily Elsden and Madison Rybeck, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services in celebration of Bob's life will be held on Tuesday, July 18 at 8 p.m. from Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield, followed by military honors. Interment will be at the family's convenience. Calling hours will take place Tuesday evening prior to the service from 6-8 p.m. Memorial donations in his memory maybe made to the American Lung Assoc. of CT 45 Ash St. E. Hartford, CT 06108-3272. For online guestbook, Memorial tributes and directions visit: www.brownefuneralhome.com.