Robert A. Milvae

1953 - 2022

Robert A. Milvae, 68, of Storrs, Connecticut, passed away on March 21, 2022, after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. Bob was born on October 4, 1953, in Hartford to his late parents Ray and Joan. After graduating from Michigan State, Bob received his PhD from Cornell before spending 35 years as a beloved professor of Animal Science at UConn. Bob was an immensely proud father of his two children, Aurora and Alex, and never missed an opportunity to share (slightly-exaggerated) stories about their accomplishments to anyone within earshot. He loved nothing more than spending time with his granddaughter Violet on frequent outings to visit local animals, countless afternoons playing in the backyard, and holidays decorating Violet's front porch. Bob spent seven wonderful years with his loving partner Christine, sharing a warm home and many evenings watching UConn basketball. While Dr. Bob was an accomplished researcher and scientist, his true love was teaching. A natural storyteller, nothing made him happier than lecturing to his undergraduate classes at UConn. Bob was universally beloved by his students for his warmth, sense of humor, deep expertise and genuine enthusiasm for the content of his classes, and bottomless reserve of excellent stories. Although he was honored with multiple teaching awards, the true measure of Bob's impact is better found in the countless students who say their career plans, perspectives, and even lives were profoundly shaped by Bob's teaching and friendship. A man of wide-ranging interests and hobbies, Bob loved spending time in nature, working out at the gym, playing horseshoes and cornhole, doing yardwork on his tractor, and cheering on the Huskies and Red Sox. He also loved woodworking and adored animals big and small. Bob is survived by Aurora, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughter Violet; Alex and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Liz; partner Christine; brother Ray and sister-in-law Deb; sister Jill and brother-in-law Alan; brother Scott; Aurora and Alex's mother Sandy; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his younger brother William. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's honor to the Covenant Soup Kitchen (https://www.covenantsoupkitchen.org) or the Matlen-Andersen Trauma Training Fund (https://matlenandersentraumatrainingfund.com). Please join Bob's family for an evening of food, stories, and celebration of a life well-lived. All are welcome on Friday, May 6th at 5pm at The Lodge at Crandall Park in Tolland for what Bob hoped would be "a great big party."