Robert H. "Bob" Grote Jr.

Robert Herman Grote Jr., 78, of East Hartford, Connecticut, died peacefully in his own home at 1:23pm on December 15, 2023, surrounded by family.

Bob was born on September 10, 1945 in Hartford, CT to Robert Herman Grote Sr. and Theresa Elizabeth Grote (Hornik). Bob is a graduate of East Hartford High School and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. Bob worked for various companies throughout his career and retired from S.G. Milazzo & Company. After his retirement he enjoyed woodworking and created many projects for his own home as well as for family and friends.

He married the love of his life, Deborah Ruth Grote (Freeman), in 1981. He is also survived by his children Kristin [Matt] Hayes of Manchester, Connecticut, Jeff [Tracey] Grote of Glastonbury, Connecticut, Jennifer [Buck] Elliott of Rochester, New Hampshire, and Alison [Dave] Caruso of Manchester, Connecticut; his grandchildren Taylor, Molly, Alekz, Jason, Ben, Griffin, Emily, Mackenzie and Sam; his step-grandchildren Tyler and Jordan; 3 step-great grandchildren Brogan, Gavin and Declan; his brother-in-law Bill Chisholm; sisters-in-law Cynthia [James] Dufresne and Trudi Woods; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob is predeceased by both of his parents and his sister, Sandy Chisholm.

Bob's parents instilled in him a firm belief that the most important thing that you can give to a child is your time. He had a passion for giving his time to his own kids as well as others in the community. Bob worked with the Youth Group at South Congregational Church for many years. He and Debbi won an award for Town of East Hartford Service to Youth Award in 2002 in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the youth and families of East Hartford.

Bob was a true family man. Family always came first for him and he was happiest when the whole family was together no matter what the occasion. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Bob's family respectfully requests no flowers please. Instead, memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes St. East Hartford, CT 06118 (for youth services), or to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 www.t2t.org

No services are planned, and there will not be any calling hours. Bob's life will be celebrated with a private family gathering. His wishes are that all who knew him remember him by sharing stories about their memories (preferably the funny ones). The D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.