Robert D. "Robio" Willich

2/28/1970 – 1/15/2023
Eastford – Robert "Robio" Willich, 52, of Schoolhouse Hill Rd., died suddenly Sunday, January 15, 2023. He was the loving life-partner of Cathy Blake. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Richard Leroy and Jereanne (Knight) Willich.
Robert worked many years as a heavy equipment operator at Holden Construction and most recently as construction manager for MDG.
He earned his Eagle Scout with Troop 27 in Woodstock in 1988. Rob ventured to CO after high school to obtain his Diesel mechanic certification. This gave him the desire to travel the country. Robio lived life to the fullest with a zest for adventure, Smile on his face, Jameson Reserve in his hand, stirring the pot with no limitations to person or topic, aggravating his nurses, all with music in the background. Trips through the Woods of NE on his ATV with family in friends in tow, the human GPS always brought the group home safely. His passion was wind therapy with a destination unknown but known following the front tire would bring him solace. Galavanting across the countryside ensuring to get dirt in his travel brought him much joy. The purchase of his Harley in Arizona led to many two wheel excursions with family and friends from Daytona, Sturgiss, and the Dragon's Tail in TN.
Rob is survived by his life-partner Cathy Blake of Quinebaug, his sisters Jennifer Willich of Eastford (Bob), Marsha Willich of Edgewater, FL (Julie) and Rebecca Gould of Woodstock (Raymond). He was greatly loved and adored by his extended Blake Family. He also leaves nieces and nephew Amber, Alexis, Charles, Abbey and Olivia, two great-nephews CJ and Miles, and an abundance of cousins and close friends.
The families would like to express sincere gratitude to Rob's medical surgeons for countless years of devotion resulting in a unique friendship and unbreakable bond.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rob's family from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St, Putnam, CT 06260, immediately followed by a blessing and sharing of kind words. A Celebration of Rob's life will be held at a later date. For a memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob's memory to the Hartford Children's Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation, Hamden, CT.