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Robert Place Obituary
Bob was born in Attleboro, Mass. and grew up in Fall River, Mass. He graduated from Durfee High School and later graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth with a degree in mechanical engineering. He also studied at University of New Haven, Northeastern University and RPI. After working for Raytheon Corporation in Waltham, Mass., Bob spent the remainder of his career of over 30 years working in Southeastern Connecticut for Northeast Utilities.
Bob served his community through numerous organizations. He was treasurer of several Parent Teacher Organizations. He was president of Twin Haven and the Norwich Dioceses School Board. Bob had previously served on the New London Library Board and is a member of the New London Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed volunteering at the front desk at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital on Wednesday afternoons, and in the summer volunteered at the Information Center in New London.
Bob enjoyed people, especially his friends, and enjoyed golf on summer mornings and breakfast outings with them. He liked going to UConn games with his son and friends and was an avid local sports fan. It was not unusual to find him at many of the local high school sporting events.
Bob leaves his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara; and two wonderful children, David Place, his wife, Karen, and children, Amanda and RJ, and Barbara Ann Reilly, her husband, Peter, and children, Megan, Joe and Dan; a brother, Bruce and his wife, Ellen; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bernie May; and several nieces and nephews. Bob loved his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Edith Place; and nephew, Marty.
Bob's funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, at St. Joseph's Church, 17 Squire St., New London. The family will receive relatives and friends from 12 to 2 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bob's name to Beechwood Rehab., St. Joseph's School, New London or the New London Library.
The family would like to thank the staff at Beechwood Rehab. for all of their wonderful, loving care, Tim Cronin for his weekly visits and many other friends for their numerous visits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Place
Carole Otto
April 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies to you all. May you find some comfort in the wonderful memories you hold in your hearts.
Fred Dacimo
March 30, 2013
Our most sincere condolences on your loss. I always looked forward to our nearly annual Unit 2 Maintenance get togethers at flanders fish market. In the 20 years i had working with Bob at MP he was such a first class professional on any issue in every way and a pleasure to know. He will be missed by the Millstone team and by me personally.
March 28, 2013
Our sincere condolences. I met Bob at Millstone in 1972 and what I remember about him most was how good natured he was. He always had a smile and was always in a good mood. I am sure many felt the same about him. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.
Pete and Joan Przekop
Naples, Fl
Jim Crockett
March 27, 2013
Dear Barbara and Family,
Bob was a wonderful person and friend. He was one of the first I knew well when I first started work at Millstone. We spent a lot of time together, and he taught me a lot. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Gary Johnson
March 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a valued member of the community and a great person. He served for years on the Waterford Conservation Commission, which is where I met him. My prayers are with you.
Steve Baker
March 26, 2013
I worked with Bob at Millstone. He always had a smile and caring attitude towards all. Sorry for your loss
Sally and Lewis Baker
March 25, 2013
Our deepest sympathy on your loss of a dear husband and father. We to mourn the loss of our dear neighbor. We always considered ourselves so fortunate to live next door to the Places. Bob always personified the spirit of "neighborly". Always so friendly, helpful and thoughtful. How we admired you, Barbara and Bob, as devoted parents we wished to emulate. David and Barbie, you set such a good example for our children. Your kindness was the perfect reflection of a mother and father who truly strived to make the world arouNd us a better place. Fond memories of Bob will always fill our hearts. Our thoughts are with you.
Respectfully,
John & Maryann Keenan
March 25, 2013
Dear Mrs. Place, Dave, Karen, Amanda, RJ and Family,
Are heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you at this very sad time. Although we did not know Dave, it is clear that he was a well respected man with many friends. We hope you find comfort from friends and family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Keenan Family
March 24, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
March 24, 2013
Dear Place Family:
Bob was a model member of The New London Lions organization.
I clearly remember him steadily volunteering his valuable time once a month on late Friday afternoons at The New London Community Center serving food with other Lions to the malnourished & indigent in our local community.
Bob also helped out at our pancake breakfasts and was widely admired in our club.
He was an active member of our Club's Board of Directors for many years and was unanimously acclaimed our Club's Lion of the Year just a few short years ago.
In failing health, he was lovingly helped by Barbara to New London's OIC Building, where he accepted the award in person and even made a short acceptance speech. He was so humble!
That was his last appearance at a Club meeting, but we always were thinking of him. In fact, my children & I periodically visited him at Beechwood Manor & sang songs with him. He got a kick of seeing my children grow up over the years.
He always permitted our visits because he was just a real "nice guy" who was able to tolerate his deteriorating physical condition to the point of joining in and laughing with us.
And, even though he was in failing health, he never stopped inquiring as how his old Lions friends were doing...
May his memory be for a blessing...
Sam Linder
President, The New London Lions
Denise Walstra
March 24, 2013
We loved Bob and Barbara as our once neighbors on Indian Valley Drive in Waterford. We are so saddened to learn of his passing and Barbara you are in our thoughts and prayers tonight. I remember when Bob got his snow blower for the first time and I had intended to shovel and he already did it for me! Just a small example of what his heart was about.
Jean C Silverstein
March 24, 2013
My prayers are with you and your family
Lloyd Beachy
March 23, 2013
Dear Barbara,
I remember many a time when Bob and I worked the Trolley Station. He was a fine partner.
Blessings,
Lloyd Beachy
March 23, 2013
Barbara ~ So sorry for your lost. My Prayers are with you.
~Carole Stevens Paquette
Sara and Paul Brewster
March 23, 2013
Dear Mrs. Place, Barbara, Dave and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mr. Place was a warm, courageous man we will remember fondly.
Harry & Judy Haynes
March 23, 2013
Barbara,
Judy and I are thinking of you and your family at this time.
Bob was a colleague and friend to me during the many years we worked together at Millstone. Bob's practicality, even temper and good nature helped see us through many tough times - he will be missed.
With sympathy,
Nancy Reynolds
March 23, 2013
Mrs. Place and famiy,
Our thoughts and prayers to you. You are all blessed to have had such a wonderful man in your lives!
Love from the Reynolds' family
Bruce & Ellen Place
March 23, 2013
It is with deep sadness that we sign this book. It is hard to believe this is the final chapter of such a great book of life.
Patricia Keefe Leroy
March 23, 2013
Barbara, David and Barbara,
We are sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was truly a kind and generous gentleman. We will never forget him. You are in our prayers.
Paul and Patricia Leroy
Kellie Papadopoli
March 23, 2013
Barbara and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Vinny and I worked with Bob at Millstone and we are the ones that bought your house in Waterford when you moved to New London. He was a wonderful man and he will be truely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Kellie and Vincent Papadopoli
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