Robert A. Prill

Robert A. Prill, 79, of Newington, died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family at his side. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline (Gianetti) Prill. Born in Bristol, son of the late Herman and Ruth Eva (Manke) Prill, Bob was a Newington resident for most of his life and was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wethersfield. He inherited a lifelong love of gardening from his grandmother and graduated from University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, with a bachelor's degree in horticulture. A master gardener, Bob retired as foreman of Elizabeth Park, Hartford, after many years of employment. He taught classes at the park, was honored with the Robert A. Prill Tulip Garden and received the Theodore Wirth Award, in recognition of his outstanding work in the gardens and greenhouses of Elizabeth Park as Horticultural Consultant to the Conservancy.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed summer vacations on Lake Champlain, where he would spend endless hours fishing, his favorite pastime after gardening. He was an avid fan of UConn Women's Basketball and rarely missed watching a game. Bob was always giving, sharing his knowledge of gardening with others and for many years, you could find him weeding, watering and planting the beautiful gardens surrounding the Christmas Box Angel at West Meadow Cemetery. We will miss his quiet, gentle manner and his sweet and always pleasant ways.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, along with Jackie, his loving wife of 48 years, he leaves his daughter Gloria T. Colwick, and his son Adam Prill, and two granddaughters, Jessica Lynn and Alexa Robyn. He was predeceased by his son Rob K. Prill. He also leaves a sister Beverly Carnelli and husband Tony, brother William Prill, in-laws Sandra Bombardier and husband Roland, and Rocco Gianetti, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 371 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield. He will be laid to rest privately beside Rob in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rob K. Prill Scholarship Fund, c/o Newington High School, 605 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, is serving the family. To share a memory of Bob, please visit us at www.duksa.net.