Robert Russell Willis

Robert Russell Willis, age 77, passed away at home on March 24, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. He had a wonderful life. Son of the late Harlowe Gilbert Willis and Mary Evers Willis, he was born and raised in Manchester, Connecticut, where he remained a life-long resident.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Schwab Willis, their sons Matthew (Lindsey and her daughters, Layla and Charlotte), and David, and grandchildren Aliyah (Max Rivas and their sons Nolan and Max), Cameron, and Joshua. He is also survived by his brother Russell and sister-in-law Sandy and their children Christopher, Jennifer, Deanna, and Samantha, together with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Anne Schwab of Asheville, North Carolina.
Bob attended Manchester High School, received his B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University, and earned an M.B.A. from the University of Hartford. He subsequently attended the School of Banking at Williams College and graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
He began his career at Connecticut Bank and Trust in 1963 while attending high school, retiring 50 years later from its successor bank, Bank of America. He spent 50 years in the branch, mortgage banking, commercial banking, and the non-profit sectors. He was a member of many civic organizations and participated in numerous fund-raising events. At the time of his death, he was a director on the board of the CBT Alumni Club.
Bob wished he had been more of a risk-taker – but his life was not dull. He was interrogated in Moscow, Russia by the KGB for several hours during the Cold War, was in a hot air balloon that collided with another balloon mid-air (with the balloon subsequently landing in a cemetery with Bob dangling from a rope 20 feet in the air) and blew up a branch bank with a stick of dynamite. (The bank was damaged but previously scheduled for renovation the following day, and no one was injured.)
He enjoyed the time spent with his family and friends, many dogs, traveling, and working in his beautiful yard and gardens. He took great pride in his extensive collection of over 80 clocks, many of which date back to the early-to-mid 1800's. He also enjoyed reading, which was affected by poor eyesight in one eye later in life. Unlike the rest of his family, he never rode in a helicopter.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance, 533 W. Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA, 19335 (or donate online at curefa.org). FA is a progressive neuromuscular disease affecting his son, David. Bob said, "Rich or close friends should also send flowers."
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT, followed by a brief memorial service. Burial will take place immediately following the service at East Cemetery, 220 East Center Street, Manchester.