Robert J. Rousseau

SOUTHINGTON - Robert "Bob" J. Rousseau, 66, of Southington passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

Born in Waterbury on Jan. 25, 1946 to Rita E. (Gelinas) Rousseau Sciortino, of Southington and the late Edward J. Rousseau, he had been a longtime Southington resident. Bob attended St. Anne's School in Waterbury. He was a graduate of Southington High School and attended the University of New Hampshire. Bob worked as a horticulturalist at Vinny's Garden Center in Wallingford and the Agway of Middlefield. He also lectured on horticultural subjects at the Wallingford Garden Club, the Durham Fair and at area high schools. He will be remembered for his love of flowers and the pride he took in the gardens he planted. He had a quick wit and loved animals and cooking. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Club in Southington.

Bob is survived by his mother, Rita E. (Gelinas) Rousseau Sciortino and step-father, Anthony Sciortino, of Southington; two brothers, Mark Rousseau and his wife, Diane (Cwirka) Rousseau, of Meriden and Alan Rousseau and his wife, Sharon (Simard) Rousseau, of Southington; step-brother, Paul Sciortino and step-sister, Theresa Sciortino, both of Waterbury; two nieces, Lauren and Kylie Rousseau; aunt and uncle, Robert and Theresa Bessette, of Watertown; and several cousins. Robert was the grandson of the late Lucien and Diana (Langlois) Gelinas, formerly of Waterbury and the grandson of the late Andrew and Lucinda (Baribault) Rousseau, formerly of Waterbury.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 19, at 9 a.m. from the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com