Robert Chester

1932 - 2018

Old Lyme - Robert E. "Bob" Chester, 86, of Old Lyme, beloved husband of Nancy Larson, passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. Bob was born Feb. 2, 1932, in Hartford to the late Robert and Margaret (Ward) Chester.

Bob was a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. He taught engine and marine repair at Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School in Groton with his close friend Bill Allard, retiring in 1994. He was proud of his many students who went on to successful careers in related fields.

Bob was a devoted member of the Quinebaug Valley Engineers Association. He spent many hours at the association's Zagray Farm Museum in Colchester, repairing and restoring antique equipment, especially the 1953 80D front shovel and the 1952 Euclid dump truck, with his good friend George Jarvis. During the past 16 years, Bob and George enjoyed many trips to tractor and antique equipment shows throughout the northeast.

Bob shared his love of engines and antique equipment with his son Arthur and grandson David and was proud to have introduced David to Cub Cadet Lawn tractors. He was proud of Arthur's and David's interest in and contributions to the Zagray Farm Museum.

Bob loved working in his 'barn' workshop restoring hit-and-miss flywheel engines from the early 1900's. At the end of each workday he spent time with his close friends Allan Ziegra and David Flagge, sitting in front of the woodstove or in lawn chairs next to the barn reviewing the day, telling stories from the past, and dispensing advice.

During the past three months Bob enjoyed spending extended time with his daughter, Susanne and his daughter-in-law, Kathryn.

Coffee's Country Market in Old Lyme was Bob's favorite breakfast and lunch spot where he loved talking with the 'deli girls' and 'the Kens', and meeting old and new friends.

Through the years, Bob enjoyed many white water canoe trips on the Allagash, backpacking in the White Mountains, and downhill skiing in Aspen with his wife of 41 years and best buddy, Nancy. Each year, he also looked forward to visiting Woody Creek Tavern in Colorado with good friends Rod Dyer and Susan Saltzman.

Besides his beloved wife Nancy, Bob is survived by his son, Arthur Chester and his wife Kathryn of Middletown; daughter, Susanne Northam and her husband Arthur of Tenn.; daughter, Beverly Glisson of N.H.; grandchildren, David Chester, Naomi Lachance, and Thomas Northam; great-grandchildren, Sabrina and Kaylie Lachance, Landon Chester, and Jiles Northam. Bob will also be missed by his many friends, especially Rick Fillback and Hubie Pollitt, and 'his kitties' Daisy and Maisy.

Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery. A memorial celebration of Bob's life will be held in the spring at Zagray Farm Museum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to Zagray Farm Museum, c/o Art Chester, 180 South Plumb Rd, Middletown, CT 06457.