Robert F. Link

Essex - Robert F. Link, 89, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2010, at Essex Meadows Health Center.

Mr. Link was born in Hamden, on Aug. 5, 1920, to the late Carolyn Crosby Wilson Link and Henry C. Link and was predeceased by his brother, James Wilson Link.

After graduating Yale University in 1942, Mr. Link served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed by Equitable Life Assurance Co., for his entire career, retiring as executive vice president and head actuary. While raising his family in Pelham, N.Y., he was active in Huguenot Memorial Church, especially in the choir.

In 1980 he and his wife, Gladys Adams Link moved to Old Lyme, where he was involved in many activities including the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme choir and fundraising activities. He continued his love for music by singing and playing piano, singing at nursing homes, participating in plays and Easter egg hunts at the country club, and Christmas carol sings, a tradition which ran for 50 years! Mr. Link was a member of the University Glee Club, an honorary member of the Whiffenpoofs of Yale, and was also a member of the SLOTS and the Who-'dats.

Four years ago he moved to Essex Meadows where he continued his busy life involved with many activities including playing the piano in the health center and forming another small singing group, the Bobolinks. He always had a love for music, playing tennis, traveling, and baking. He was an environmentalist and the world's first recycler.

Bob Link enjoyed spending time with his family and bringing joy, happiness, and sensibility to all he met along the way. He enjoyed traveling to Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with many fond memories of Anguilla.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Adams Link; his three children, Carolyn C. Link (C.C.) of East Haven, Charles C. Link of Burlington, Vt., Gratia Link Cerreta and her husband, Tony Cerreta, and their three children, Christopher, Devon, and Michael of Port Chester, N.Y. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Link Donaldson of Orleans, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in celebration of his life is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 2010, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Old Lyme Music Fund, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme CT 06371 or Essex Meadows Scholarship Fund, 30 Bokum Road, Essex CT 06426.