Robert John Dellert

Robert John Dellert, 83, of North Branford, CT, beloved husband of 57 years to Bernice (Sadowski) Dellert, passed away on January 12, 2025 surrounded by his family at Yale New Haven Hospital. Besides his wife, he is also survived by his loving children Karen (David) Benoit of Darien, CT, and Brian (Heather) Dellert of Acton, MA and beloved grandchildren, Kaci Benoit, and Lily and Shelby Dellert. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth (Richard) Johnson of Palm Bay, FL. He was predeceased by his sister Beverlee (Charles) Thornhill. Robert was born in New Haven, CT on November 26, 1941 and resided for most of his life in North Branford, CT where, along with his loving wife, he raised his family. He graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden, CT in 1960, where he was captain of the basketball team, and subsequently earned a B.S. Degree in Mathematics Education from Southern CT State University. He then went back to his alma mater, Eli Whitney, to teach math for 35 years before retiring in 1997. During his teaching career he went on to earn an M.S. Degree in Supervision and Administration of Vocational Technical Education at Central CT State University. He was involved in coaching several sports and served as an advisor for many extracurricular activities. He will be remembered for his unique quality of always trying to bring out the best in every student, especially those who may have been struggling with life's circumstances. In recognition of his dedicated service he received the Teacher of the Year Award twice. Robert also spent many summers as the Summer School Principal and Director of the Recreational Program at the Children's Center in Hamden, CT. Above all, Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his three grandchildren whom he adored, and loved watching them participate in sports and dance. He was also an avid sports fan and loved spending time rooting for the Yankees and the UConn Huskies basketball teams. While he was raising his family he was involved in coaching several youth sports. Robert also enjoyed camping with his family and a special group of friends. One of his favorite trips was the annual summer camping trip to Point Sebago in Maine. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling in his motorhome to many parts of the US. In addition to camping he enjoyed more far flung trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, and several European countries. Robert was a longtime parishioner of St. Augustine's Church in North Branford where he taught C.C.D. for several years, was a member of the Social Action Committee for over 20 years, and was on the Financial Council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #6801. Robert will be best remembered for his compassion and caring for all people, young and old. He was a friend to all and will be dearly missed. His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven Friday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Ambrose Parish at St. Augustine Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call FRIDAY MORNING from 8:30-10:30. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit our Tree Store.