Robert R. Ulman

Robert Richard Ulman, 84, beloved husband of Carolyn Donohue-Ulman, a life-long resident of Norwalk, peacefully earned his wings, on December 19, 2025.

Born in Norwalk, CT on September 26, 1941, he was the son of the late John Ulman and Margaret Kobaly Ulman. Bob attended Norwalk schools, graduating from Norwalk High School in 1960. According to his high school yearbook, during those years, Bob was known for "being friendly, likeable and a man-about-the school. He enjoyed cars, hunting, and girls, with aspirations to become a tool and die maker".

As a young adult, some of his favorite memories include racing Motorcross and cars, riding snowmobiles, and hanging out with his friends.

Bob began working at 15 years old for Currie Tire, then moving on to Norden's where he was a machinist. In his early twenties he began working as an apprentice for Bon-A-Wood custom cabinetry. He later purchased the company and became well known for his custom craftsmanship. In his retirement he worked at his son's company, Norwalk Excavating. He then went on to enjoy truck driving for multiple local construction companies.

In January 1975, Bob joined the South Norwalk Boat Club. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time captaining his boat "Last Call" and hanging out with his "croanies". They spent many weekends boating off the coast of Montauk, shark and tuna fishing. It was also at the South Norwalk Boat Club where he first met the love of his life in 1980. As fate would have it, they didn't reconnect until 1986 and were married in October of 1995, when he not only "locked down" a wife….he inherited his children.

Bob, Bobby or otherwise affectionately known as "Grump" was a man of few words, yet his presence was profound. When he spoke, you wanted to listen. He lived by his word and was fiercely loyal to those he loved; a true definition of a family man.

Some of his favorite hobbies included, spending time at his house in Vermont, road trips with his "Fox", UTVing, riding his Harley, attending Bike Week, Renegade Pig events, Men's night, Happy Hour, Margaritas, eating his favorite foods, playing darts, and pool; but nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family. He was a devoted grandfather. Pop Pop/Gramp/Grumpy never denied an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He could be found sitting on a softball field, picking them up at school, on a Starbucks run, or more recently sitting in a theatre watching his great grandchildren dance or perform in a play. He was well known around the barn and would go to whatever extent he had to, in order to watch his granddaughter compete at a horse show. Some of his most memorable and cherished experiences were travelling with his children and grandchildren visiting Alaska, Ireland, Maine, Myrtle Beach, and Nova Scotia.

Bobby continued to enjoy his love for the water by Captaining his boat, Sea La Vie, travelling all along Long Island Sound and spending time with friends and boaters at the marina. He will be sorely missed by his First Mate.

Having had open heart surgery in 2006, and being told he "might" have another 10 years, in true Bobby fashion, he defied those odds. This past year was especially tough and he credits the additional time he had to the expert and devoted care he received from his amazing doctors – Edward Portnay, Revekka Babavev, Lynda Streett, Timothy Manoni, Rebekah Gospin, Jennifer Chovitch, Desh Nandedkar, their staff and his granddaughter, Courtney who devotedly managed all of his care.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Thomas Donohue (Elena), Kimber Grimm (Tom), Kelley Sanchez (Carlos), Norman Mulvey (Stacey), Pauline Edwards (Mark). He also leaves behind twenty grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, as well as his brother Ronald Ulman, a sister, Patty Pasternauk (Kenny), special nieces and nephews, many extended family members, friends and his devoted cat, Stan. All who loved him dearly.

The family is grateful for him having fought for so long and finds comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is at peace.

Bob's family will receive friends on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm, with words of remembrance being shared at 3:30pm, at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Final disposition is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to any one of his favorite charities; Rising Starr Horse Rescue (93 Silver Spring Road, Wilton, Ct 06897), Side By Side Charter School (10 Chestnut Street, South Norwalk, CT 06850) or The Stamford Hospital Foundation (3001 Summer Street, Second Floor, Stamford, CT 06905).