Robert J. Soaft

Robert J. Soaft, 66, of Catawissa, Missouri, formerly of Newington, died peacefully at home Monday, Feb. 13, 2017. He was the son of the late Robert A. Soaft and Marjorie (McLean) Soaft.

Born Feb. 16, 1950, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, where he lived until the age of 9 before moving to Newington. Robert graduated from Newington High School in 1968. Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Army where he served as a cook for three years and then served an additional three years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He spent the majority of his life working with his hands, making furniture and building cabinetry. Robert loved the outdoors, animals and music. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a lifelong love of boats. He was a talented artist, played the harmonica, and loved to read.

Robert is survived by his children, Robert Dzen of Ellington, Rebekah Dzen of Enfield, and Ted Dzen and his wife, Aaron, of Richmond, Virginia; his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Anthony Dzen of Ellington and Sawyer Dzen of Richmond. Besides his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brothers and sisters, Linda Soaft of San Diego, California, Anne Sinnott of Catawissa, Jay Soaft and his wife, Lucy, of Kensington, Paul Soaft and his wife, Nancy, of Glastonbury, Mary Barbosa and her husband, Mark, of Boca Raton, Florida, Theresa Soaft of Boca Raton, and Kathy Dunn and her husband, Frank, of Cromwell; as well as many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, John Soaft.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at the State Veterans' Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown.