Robert L Rumsey

Robert (Bob) Lincoln Rumsey, born February 4, 1938, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at the hospital he was born 86 years prior in New York City.

Born in New York City and raised for much of his childhood in Scarsdale, New York, Bob spent most of his life raising a family and living happily thereafter through his remaining years in Connecticut.

He was passionate about art, history, writing/reading, constantly learning, and connecting with others until his last days. He founded Norfolk Construction Company and took pride in his work designing and building homes for people throughout the Connecticut area. He constantly sought education and the perspective of others whether loved ones or strangers, obtaining his master's in History later in life and teaching at the Taconic Learning Center until the end of his life.

Bob loved nothing more than a good intellectual conversation or debate and was always willing to be challenged and open to changing his mind. He'd often sit quietly and ponder, then share his findings and thoughts with us. He enjoyed spending time at Mt Tom State Park in Litchfield, where he'd take his chair and sit by the pond, drinking his coffee and people (or duck) watching.

He was an active member at St. Michael's Church. He found joy and community in being part of the vestry board, leading morning prayer services (including over Zoom in recent years), participating in bible study, and being a regular Sunday service speaker.

His gentle ways, compassion for all others, self-curiosity, and interest in others made a lasting impression on many, from family and loved ones, to friends whether momentary in nature or longstanding, to his Church community, and to his peers and students.

All those who knew him will miss him dearly. He had a rare ability to connect with those in his circles and strangers in passing, something that he did not to be self-serving but to improve their existence if only for a passing moment.

He is survived by his children Alissa (and Peter Knocke) and Benjamin (and Amy) Rumsey, Benjamin and Amy's children, Isla Rae and Riley Lincoln, his brother David (and Abby), the mother of his children and wife for much of his life Beth (and David) Ciarcia, as well as countless nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

There will be a memorial service at his beloved St. Michael's Church in Litchfield, Connecticut on April 6, 2024 at 2pm.

Donations can be made in memory of Bob at the following organizations:

1. Taconic Learning Center: https://taconiclearningcenter.org/donatenew.php. TLC is a non-profit organization that provides lifelong learning to residents of the Northwest Corner of CT. Bob loved taking courses at TLC and was an active member over the last 15 years. He started teaching courses at TLC in 2018 at the age of 80, and taught over 20 history and play reading classes over the last 5 years.

2. St. Michael's Church of Litchfield: https://stmichaels-litchfield.org/product/memory-gift/. Bob was an active member at St. Michael's Church. He found joy and community in being part of the vestry board, leading morning prayer services (over Zoom in recent years!), participating in bible study, and being a regular Sunday service speaker.

While comments here on Legacy are appreciated, his children would kindly ask anyone willing to submit comments or memories of their father here: https://bit.ly/BobRumsey so that they can archive thoughts from those who shared moments in life with him.