Robert J. "Bob" Morande

1943 - 2025

Robert J. "Bob" Morande
Robert J. "Bob" Morande passed away on July 15, 2025 at the age of 82 from a heart attach after many years of suffering from diabetes and neuropathy. Bob was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to James A. Morande, Sr. and Olive Morande. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John (Jack) Morande.
Bob grew up in Somerville, MA. He then moved to Glastonbury, CT at the age of 15 due to the transfer of his father to Connecticut as a regional manager of a grocery store chain Stop & Shop. Bob enjoyed playing golf at the age of 16 and was good enough to play on his High School Varsity team. He graduated from Glastonbury High School in 1961 with his letter in golf. He also was in the High School Marching Band and played the trombone and in his senior year he was the Drum Major. After high school, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to a Naval Supply Ship which was stationed off the coast of Cuba during the Bay of Pigs.
When Bob was discharged from the Navy he wanted to learn to fly. So, he started taking lessons at Brainerd Airport in Hartford, CT in a small single engine Piper Cub. When he received his pilots license all he wanted to due was go to Brainerd Airport and rent a plane and fly. Now his new hobby was to learn everything there was to know about flying, all types of planes, single engine, twin engines and jets! Golf was moved to the back burner for a while.
During this time Bob had a couple of jobs, with Dunn & Bradstreet and worked with his twin brother Jim at "The Olde Towne & Country Store" in Glastonbury, CT. Bob then found his passion when he went to work as a car salesman for Balch Pontiac in Windsor, CT. After 6 months, he was their top salesman. He was promoted to Sales Mgs-closer. Then in 1973, Bob was offered a job at Newman Lincoln Mercury in Hartford as Sales Manager and within a year he was the new General Manager.
Bob was married to the "Love of his Life" Alys Katz. They were married in February 1974 at the Cromwell Hills Club House in Cromwell, CT.
In 1977, Bob really wanted the opportunity to own his own Dealership, so he his brother, Bill purchased a used car dealership in Glastonbury, CT. Bob went on to acquire a New Ford Franchise from Ford Motor Company in 1979 in Berlin, CT and it turned out to be very successful. Bob and his brother Bill went on to acquire a couple of other franchises in Connecticut.
Bob was a very respected businessman and entrepreneur in his community. He was on the Board of Directors for the CATA (CT Auto Trades Association), plus President of The Greater Hartford Auto Dealers, on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce in his Community and many other associations too numerous to list.
He won many awards from the automobile manufacturers over 44 years, but his 1st love was always the thrill of flying... taking off and always a smooth landing in his plane.
Bob was the CEO and President of Morande Ford and CEO of the Morande Auto Group. Bob was respected by all his employees. He always had a big HEART for his employees. He was around to thank each customer for their purchase and congratulate them on their new automobile.
In 1999 Bob and Alys moved to Naples, Florida. When you are only part time, you're a snowbird... they were not ready for full retirement until 2013 and moved permanently to Bonita Springs, FL.
Bob is survived by his wife Alys of 51 years, his brother Jim of Naples, FL, Bill (Lynne) of The Villages FL, and sister Susan Dougerty (Joe) of Glastonbury, CT. Bob leaves behind his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends and his beloved Dog Charlie!
A memorial visitation will be held at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Tuesday July 22 from 3:00-6:00 at 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs, FL. Funeral services will be held at 5:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made in his honor to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Shriner's Hospital or to the Golisano Children's Hospital in Fort Myers, FL.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.