Robert B. Birchell

Robert B. Birchell, 99, of Naples, FL, formerly of Marco Island, FL and Pawcatuck, CT, passed away on October 2, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Helen (Safin) Birchell for 73 years. Born in New London, CT, Bob was the son of the late George and Olive Birchell.
After graduating from Stonington schools, Bob started employment at Electric Boat, training as a welder. In May of 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went on to serve in WWII as a Carpenter's Mate on a combat ship in the Pacific Theater. When in the third wave on Iwo Jima, his ship took prisoners aboard after landings. Bob was honorably discharged from the Naval Service in June of 1946 after being awarded several medals and a letter of commendation.
Upon returning to civilian life, Bob met the love of his life, Helen Safin and on February 7, 1948 they wed at St. Michael's Church in Pawcatuck. Together they had six children: Kathy (Andre) Tetrault, Debby (Kevin) Demeritt, Cindy (Dick) Gillum, Bob (Mariana) Birchell, Nancy Brewer, and Sally (Al) Duplice.
After seven years as a self-employed welder, Bob returned to work at Electric Boat and continued there until he retired as a Ship Superintendent in 1983. He then focused on helping people by doing odd jobs, all while keeping up with his golf game.
Bob and Helen loved to travel and one of their favorite vacation spots was Marco Island, FL. They loved it there so much that in 1984 they bought a condo and became "snowbirds". In 2009, they became full-time Marco Island residents and in 2017, Bob and Helen moved to the Beach House, an Assisted Living facility in Naples, FL.
Bob was predeceased by his parents and his brother David. Besides his wife and children, Bob is survived by his sister Lillian Nuttall; grandsons, Brian, Mark (Kristin), Jeffrey, and Daniel Birchell; granddaughters Melissa Santos, Kristen (David) Federico, and Alycia (Nicholas) Pessoa; and great-granddaughters Emerson, Natalya, Isabella, Peyton, Avery, Adeline, and Charlotte. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Michael Capital Campaign, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 in Bob's memory.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 14 in St. Michael's Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI is in care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com