Robert Frederick "Bob" Whittle

1932 - 2016

Mystic - Robert Frederick Whittle, 84, who operated the last commercial farm in Mystic, passed away on April 2, 2016. Bob finished his work for the day on Whittle's Willow Spring Farm, sat back in his favorite recliner, and died peacefully in his sleep. He has finished his work here on earth, but his legacy will live forever. His family, its agricultural business, and his service to the nation were the cornerstones of his life. Bob's example of leadership, hard work, integrity, loyalty, optimism, and friendship shaped the values of his cohesive family and lifelong friends.

Bob was the second oldest of Frederick and Charlotte Whittle's seven children. He was born on Feb. 25, 1932, in a midwife's house on the corner of Allyn St. and West Mystic Ave., in Mystic.

Bob's grandfather Robert began operating Whittles' Willow Spring Farm in 1908. Bob grew up working for his father, Fred, tilling the soil at a young age. He loved the farm deeply. The crops, orchards and the very earth were a part of him. Everything about the outdoor work shaped his character, and the fall harvest was his favorite season. In the course of his agricultural career, he attained the skills of a mechanic, plumber, electrician, carpenter, and an accountant. Today the farm continues to run under the leadership of his brother, William, son, Rick, and grandson, Phil, totaling five generations of continuous ownership of the farm.

Bob joined Battery A, 238th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion of the Connecticut National Guard at the age of 17, and one year later, in 1950, his unit mobilized and prepared to take part in the Korean War. The U.S. Army offered Bob a farm exemption, so that he could support the home front and not deploy, but out of loyalty to his fellow soldiers, Bob refused and gave the exemption to a friend of his who was already married and wanted to stay home with his family. The unit did deploy, but instead of going to Korea, spent the year in Japan. During his time in the military Bob earned the Japan Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his return, he bought a 1956 Thunderbird and drove to California for adventure. While he was there, Bob worked in the U.S. Postal Service and was paid to be an extra in a Hollywood movie. He returned from California and spent the rest of his career working on the family farm in Mystic.

Bob's loyalty and bravery were on display when he saved the lives of two friends. The first time, he risked his own life by sliding into icy water to pull a friend who broke his arm in an industrial diving accident and was drowning in fast current, unconscious in the water. The second time, he saved a friend who was drowning in a rip tide. He exemplified integrity and trustworthiness. A handshake from Bob Whittle meant that you had a deal, and one that would be honored. He was a man of his word and his commitments were always followed by action. He was an optimist who saw the good in everything. Bob treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Bob served on the board of directors of the Old Mystic Fire Department and as the umpire coordinator for Babe Ruth baseball. He was a member of the Mystic Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Groton Elks, and the American Legion. At his request, Willow Spring Farm also sponsored Troop 2 of the Boy Scouts of America.

He had an enthusiasm for life that was contagious. He had many hobbies that he enjoyed and shared with his children and grandchildren. These included traveling, hunting, skiing, scuba diving, motorcycling, snowmobiling, bowling, and restoring antique cars. He traveled extensively around the world and loved spending time with his wife, Brigitte, in his cabin in New Hampshire.

Bob married Brigitte in January 1965. They have been happily married for 51 years. Bob was incredibly proud of his two children. Rick has remained on the farm and is also the president of Allied Snow Removal Corp., a statewide operation that provides employment to hundreds of workers. Bob Jr. is a West Point graduate, an active duty colonel in the U.S. Army, and a veteran of four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bob is also survived by five grandchildren, Frederick III, Phillip, Olivia, Austin, and Avery. In addition, Bob is survived by six brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Hill of LaGrange, Ky., Dorothy Duguid of Raleigh, N.C., Cecelia Basque of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., William Whittle of Mystic, Richard Whittle of Groton, and Carol Pratt of Mystic.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 8, at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton.

Donations may be made in memory of Bob Whittle to the Mystic Chapter of the VFW.