Robert "Bob" Claps

Old Lyme - Robert "Bob" Claps, 51, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at the Shoreline Clinic in Essex.

Mr. Claps was born on July 5, 1960, the son of Frank and Helen Claps of New York, N.Y. Bob was employed for the last 2 1/2 years at Electric Boat in Groton as a first class shipfitter. Bob was previously employed at Metal Pro in Old Saybrook, Harrington Engineering in Old Saybrook, and was a longtime employee at Machine Works at Essex where he was known as "Dr. Bob" in the prop shop. While employed there, he trained in Australia to be the very best in propolsion technology. Bob was also known as the man who could fix anything and was always there to help his friends. He loved to go fishing and crabbing. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, family, friends, and his beloved dogs and donkeys on the farm.

On Jan. 14, 1984, he married the love of his life Linda (Woodruff) Claps in Old Lyme.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Kathy Woodruff of Old Lyme; brother-in-law, William and wife, Karen Woodruff and nephews, Jesse and Joey and a great-nephew, Kaleb, of Fall Brook, Calif.

The calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. with a memorial wake at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011, at The Seniors Center in Old Lyme.

Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme, is handling the arrangements.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information.

Donations may be made in his memory to Old Lyme Ambulance or Greenier Pastures Rescue.