Robert T. Lombardi, 64, departed from this world on June 23, 2016: his soul now rests in the peace and light of the Divine. His beloved wife of 38 years, Karen Kosnoff Lombardi, and his sons Mark Lombardi of Meriden and Andrew Lombardi of Seattle, WA, were by his side to comfort him as he ended his 8-month battle with a rare brain tumor. His last few days were spent in the beauty and serenity of his cottage near Lake Hayward, East Haddam. Robert was born in Derby, CT, on April 22, 1952, the son of Gerald Lombardi and Elizabeth Durant Lombardi. Moving to Wallingford, he graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1970, and earned a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Connecticut in 1974. Although teaching positions were difficult to find at the time, he followed his heart and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Brown University in 1977, before going on to a stellar career in secondary education. He first taught at Ridgefield High School, and in 1978 began his 34-year tenure teaching Social Studies at Newington High School, retiring in 2012. Robert was demanding and intellectual, passionate and utterly sincere about the exchange of ideas that took place in his classroom. Former students call him "a true legend," "honest and enlightening," and "the only person who ever saw through my façade." One asserts that his "ability to see the potential in those who were often left to the side because they didn't fit the mold of a 'perfect student' made people realize they had value." Students fondly recall the history board games, map quizzes, and pretzels with mustard on test days that were part of his classes. His example as a teacher, a citizen, and a human being of integrity inspired students to become registered, active voters and hold thoughtful, respectful discussions with people of diverse opinions. Several former students have pursued their own teaching careers, hoping to shape young lives as their beloved teacher did. Because of his commitment to his students, he was recognized by Tufts University as an outstanding teacher at Newington High School in 1991 and 1993. Robert led by example, mentoring novice and student teachers, serving on curriculum-writing committees, and making time to share his voluminous library of lesson plans and videos. In recognition of his incredible commitment to teaching and his passion for history and government, Newington High School created the Robert Lombardi Award, given to a senior who exemplifies a diverse and challenging course load in history and social studies. Countless former students and colleagues will sorely miss "Comrade Lombardi," known as "The Most Interesting Man in the World." Outside the classroom, Robert was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, having served as its Junior Warden and a member of its Search Committee for a number of years. He loved good food and the outdoors, and was an avid hiker and cross-country skier, spending many weekends in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Besides his wife and sons, Robert is survived by other members of his loving family: John and Roberta Sciacca of Chester, CT, Gary and Ann Harter of Newington, CT, Mark and Susan Kosnoff of Meriden, CT, Kevin and Jeanette Kosnoff of Martin City, MT., and Bonnie Seal of Poteet, TX, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Kathleen Lombardi, and his brother Gerald Lombardi. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at St. Andrews Church, 20 Catlin St. Meriden on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Marissa Rohrbach officiating. The celebration will continue at the North Italian Home Club, 43 Thorpe Avenue, Meriden. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450 or the food pantry at St. Andrew's Church, 20 Catlin Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Donations to the food pantry should be made out to St. Andrews Church with a memo indicating "food pantry". Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jun. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lombardi

Sponsored by the family.

38 Entries

Beverly Betters

June 22, 2024

We miss you more than ever, Bob. We could certainly use your political wisdom in this election year! You have left an indelible mark on the lives of all who were fortunate enough to come into your orbit and we will hold your memory in our hearts & souls.

Beverly Betters

June 22, 2019

We continue to miss Bob's wit & wisdom every month at our Panera "meeting"!

Pam and Gary Fontanella

July 6, 2016

Karen- Gary and I were so saddened to hear about Bob. He was a wonderful guy who obviously loved his family very much and will be missed deeply. We are thinking about you and your boys.

July 5, 2016

Dear Lombardi family,
I was saddened to learn of the passing of a respected colleague and friend. It was my privilege to work with Bob for sixteen years at Newington High until my retiring in 1996. A gifted and dedicated teacher, his first priority was always the success of his students and he worked tirelessly to achieve this. I remember his ready smile, his sense of humor, his compassion, but most of all, his integrity. He was truly a "man for all seasons." May he find eternal rest for his labors.
In prayerful sympathy,
Barbara Guerra
Niantic, CT

Jamie Glasgo

July 5, 2016

My thoughts are with your family. Mr. Lombardi left a lasting impression on me in my AP U.S. history class. I so enjoyed his class, but also how he cared so deeply for his students on a personal level. He always had a smile on his face and took the time to ask how life was.
Although I did not become a history teacher, it was initially my path in college before settling on a different career, mainly due to Mr. Lombardi. My deepest condolences.

Jamie (Schultz) Glasgo NHS Class of '99

Joshua Rubin

July 5, 2016

Mr. Lombardi,

There is no question you were the teacher who most impacted my life in a positive way. When I had you as a 9th grader, your ease with us and willingness to give us a glimpse into your personal life made you human. But what I remember more is your humor, your love of life, and your love of teaching a subject that meant everything to you.

But when I decided to be an educator, my goal was to have the same relaxed, open classroom that made me choose to have you twice a day in 12th grade. It definitely would have been more if my schedule had allowed it. Your showing of your humanity as we watched the Columbine tragedy unfold live on TV and your frank answers about life made a bigger impression on me than you can know.

Rest in peace, good sir, and know that your presence in this world will be sorely missed.

Josh Rubin, NHS class of 1999
(The one you called "Lenin" for most of the 98-99 school year)

Kelly Scott, NHS '04

June 30, 2016

To say that Mr. Lombardi left an indelible mark on my life, through his teaching and guidance during my high school career, would not do justice to the extraordinary way in which he helped me, and so many others who were fortunate enough to interact with him, formulate ideas and opinions, and challenge those of others in a respectful and thoughtful way.

My deepest condolences to his wife and sons, whom he spoke of in classes often, with beaming adoration and fondness.

Thank you Mr. Lombardi, and thank you to his family for sharing such a wonderful man with so many of us, his students.

Claire and Peter Swanson

June 29, 2016

Karen, we are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your sons.

Zackery Graham -Class of 2012

June 29, 2016

It is far too often that as life comes to a close people are all too saddened at the loss of someone close. Instead we should take this time to celebrate the absolutely amazing man that Mr. Lombardi was. I only got to know him through the classroom, but after seeing what everyone has taken a moment to share, scrolling through the jovial photos of hikes, drinks, and skiing, I've come to realize just how much of a renaissance man he truly was. He is a legend among legends, a man among men, a teacher among teachers. It's not through his sheer talent that makes him legendary, but how he took everyday, every moment, every student, every friend and gave it his all to not only live his life to its fullest, but inspire you to. No matter the challenge he can usher you to overcome them. I'll never forgot taking economics with you at Newington High, smiling and saying hi as we passed each other in the hallways, the last day we played water pong in your class for your final day, and especially how you saw something in me and pushed me to take more challenging courses because you saw in me what I did not. I only wish that I could have taken one more economics course with you at central as we talked about to learn even more from you. I hope I can someday live up to your expectations and take everyday and grab it by the horns. The world has lost a great man, but he will live on in us and never be forgotten.

Erica Hunt

June 29, 2016

Karen and your boys-My deepest sympathies-Bob was not only an amazing teacher he was a voice of reason and strength in our school. For me he was the teacher I hoped to be...I still hope that I can be 1/100 of the teacher he was. As an educator I know how much we give of ourselves and sacrifice time with our family to be good at our jobs-Thank you so much for sharing Bob with us and know that many of us are better people for knowing him.

Christine Clegg

June 29, 2016

Karen,
My deepest sympathy to you and your sons. As I have gotten to know you and your husband (through my daughter) I appreciate what special people you are. Rebecca has such a fondness for "Mr. Lombardi" that it is clear to me that he was an incredible teacher and mentor to his students. Public education was blessed to have him.

June 29, 2016

Karen, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's demise. My sympathy and empathy go to you and your sons. May you find peace. Katee Shepard

Amy Drouin

June 29, 2016

He really was legendary.The world lost more than a teacher with Mr. Lombardi's passing. It lost a beacon of hope and light.Thanks again, CL. Thanks forever.My thoughts are with you all as we together remember his greatness.A. DrouinFormer Student

June 28, 2016

Mr. Lombardi was a special teacher, and I am deeply saddened by his passing. To his family, please accept my condolences. As I am writing this, I am remembering my after-class discussions with Mr. Lombardi on A.J.P. Taylor's views about the causes of World War II (unsettling but plausible), Dostoyevsky's irrationalism (sometimes it just feels good to throw a glass at the fireplace), and Led Zeppelin's awesomeness (they were the best and they knew it). Mr. Lombardi made an impression on me, as I'm sure he did with countless other students. I'll cherish my memories of him.

-Paul Bowman, Class of 2001

June 28, 2016

What beautiful and heartfelt remarks.
Surely, G-d had a plan in mind when Bob decided to teach, as it is quite apparent that he affected the lives of so many students.
What an amazing legacy.
Karen and family, please accept our families deepest and sincere condolences. Bob was a gentleman and in the short time we got to know him (and Karen) we knew a kind and good man was now our new neighbor at "the lake". We will miss Bob and pray that his memory and knowing the lives that he touched will bring some comfort in this time of sorrow.

David & Laura Cohen

Anne Michalman Tindal NHS 1990

June 28, 2016

Mr. Lombardi was a fantastic history teacher! I learned so much in his classes and really enjoyed his teaching style. We played The Game of Risk in class! Newington High School was a better place because of him. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Tristan Mason

June 28, 2016

I took a current issues class my senior year of high school with Robert Lombardi. The class covered a wide array of topical issues, including the Iraq war, the Virginia Tech school shooting and gay marriage. Mr. Lombardi challenged us to form an evidence-based opinion on those issues during a time when some considered it unpatriotic to question the righteousness Iraq war, or say that you supported the right of people of the same-sex to marry. I still have my essay that lambasts the Iraq War troop surge of 2007. It was the first time I remember taking a meaningful stance.

I'd like to think in the spirit of Mr. Lombardi, I challenge students to form evidence-based opinions on controversial issues, even if that opinion is unpopular.

Rest in peace comrade.

Erik Tillman

June 28, 2016

Thank you Mr. Lombardi for being the teacher you were and pushing every student you came across, including me, to do the best we can and keep reaching for what we want. You will be missed.

Jenn

June 28, 2016

Mr. Lombardi was one of the few teachers who left a lasting impression on me. I will never forget what he taught me about the past, present and future.

Cori and Rich Kiewlen

June 28, 2016

We offer our sincere condolences to the entire family. Bob truly was a fun person to be around. He will be missed.

Briana Klass

June 28, 2016

Mr Lombardi was such a great teacher, there wasn't a day that went by that he wouldn't take the time out and ask me how I was, or to just say hello as I was passing by. He will be truly missed. My condolences to the family. ❤

Bonnie Cyr

June 28, 2016

Karen,My sincere heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

June 28, 2016

My deepest condolences to a great teacher.
D. O'Doherty

June 28, 2016

Dear Karen, Mark & Andrew,

My deepest condolences to all of you. There are so many wonderful testaments to Bob. I recall Bob as having a warm smile and disposition, being an active and involved Dad and a true partner to Karen. A life well lived to be sure.

May you all gain comfort and peace from the kind words and memories that continue to be shared.

Vicki Sammis

Mike Pizzuto, Jr.

June 28, 2016

Homeroom 310, Newington High School Class of 1986 - Mr. Lombardi was the best. Sincere condolences to his family.

Sara Marcellino

June 28, 2016

Heartbreaking, Mr. Lombardi was the best. Thinking about your family during this extremely difficult time.
- Sara Marcellino

The Zuber Family

June 28, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We will always remember the little league years.

Ginnie & Steve Patsos

June 28, 2016

Our hearts and love are with you all, Ginnie & Steve

Ray Moncevicius

June 28, 2016

I will miss his great smile, Bob always had kind word to share, a true intellect and family man. Until we meet again on the trail

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Goins

June 28, 2016

To Karen & Family,

We want to extend our thoughts, prayers ad deepest condolences to you and your family. May God strengthen you during this difficult time.

Beverly Betters

June 28, 2016

I will sorely miss our post-retirement monthly Panera group meetings with you and our daily Words With Friends exchanges! All of our lives are richer for having known you.

Jamie Carollo

June 28, 2016

Often in life we get to meet all sorts of people, and it is rare when someone like Bob crosses our path. Bob and Karen were neighbors of ours at Lake Hayward and it was clear from our first meeting that Bob had a passion for both Beer and the outdoors. The great news is that Karen had those same passions. We shared many nights around a campfire discussing life's meaning never really knowing what it had in store for us. Bob was a gifted person who had touched so many lives through his teachings and it was through his passing I became in awe at how many of his students took the time to post such wonderful things about how his life had influenced them. What a beautiful legacy this man has left and I know that I am a better person for just living next to him for the few short years. My thoughts and prayers go to Karen and their two sons during this difficult time. You were truly blessed with an amazing man.

Joseph Struble

June 28, 2016

Karen, Mark, Andrew and family;
Bob will be missed. Though we were only one year apart at Lyman Hall, I didn't truly get to know him until we were raising our own 'high school kids'. He was great to be with when we chaperoned Maloney band trips. We had some enlightening talks about history and I could tell he was a fantastic History Teacher. Time goes by way too fast and Bob had to leave way too early. Tracey and I felt blessed to have known him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Joe and Tracey

Gina DiBernardo

June 28, 2016

Bob was a true educational beacon and an inspiration for all his colleagues. I always said I would love to be a student in his classroom. Instead I had to settle for teaching in the classroom a few doors down the hall. Thank you Bob for being you, a dedicated teacher, an insightful colleague, and a true comrade in the trenches. I wish you and your family peace.

Sebastian Fortuna

June 28, 2016

To the man who was one of few to inspire me to teach, the fire you brought to the classroom will live on in my future classrooms. May the legacy of Robert Lombardi live on through the lives he has touched.

June 27, 2016

Karen and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your loving memories comfort you during this difficult period.

With our sincere sympathy.

Tom & Cris D'Allesantro

Luis DeLoureiro

June 27, 2016

I've never taken the time to wrote in one of these online guest books. I guess that's my bad.
That said, I had to take a few minutes here bc Mr Lombardi was a special teacher. He was a teacher who honestly cared - never mailed it in. Not even one day.

He will be missed.

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