Robert J. Zysk

Idolized Teacher. Jujitsu Sage. The Last Renaissance Man. Master of All Trades. The Ultimate Cheerleader. Forever in Blue Jeans. Mr. Fix-It. Man of the Earth. Prince Charming. We are saddened to inform you that our beloved father, husband, friend, and confidant, Bob Zysk, was called to Heaven on May 27, 2025, at the age of 78. Bob is still very much alive in the stories, wisdom, and laughter he left behind. Robert "Bob" Zysk, known far and wide as The Last Renaissance Man, has bestowed upon us a lifetime of treasures that have helped shape the people whose lives he encountered. Robert Zysk was predeceased by his parents, John and Lorraine (Pelletier) Zysk, his in-laws Laureen and Louis Styers, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as Bobby's mother, Sharon Ann. Bob's life was a decades-long masterclass in curiosity, service, humility, and excellence. From his earliest days competing in judo matches (he co-founded the Interscholastic Judo League) to returning years later as a white belt in jujitsu alongside his young son, Bobby, and climbing all the way to a 6th-degree black belt, Bob was never satisfied with the surface; he dug deeper. He studied. He perfected. And then he shared. But for all the belts and brilliance, it was teaching - real, soul-fueled, student-centered teaching - where Bob Zysk left his most lasting legacy. He began his teaching career in 1968 at Bristol Eastern High School, part of a legendary cohort of new educators who still keep in touch decades later. Bob didn't just make colleagues - he made lifelong teammates. He was the kind of faculty member who showed up for everything: Friday night football games, faculty-student basketball showdowns, any event where spirit met school pride. He was present. He invested his time and enthusiasm in the present moment, making every event a memorable one. His students didn't just pass his class - they grew. Under his tutelage, struggling students gained the confidence to believe they could achieve anything. Bob didn't teach a classroom; he taught individuals. Every kid mattered. Every story, every struggle, every breakthrough. He wouldn't let them fail. They left his classroom with newfound resiliency. He loved learning. You could see it on his face, hear it in his voice, and catch it like a fever. His joy was contagious. He was the first to laugh (that patented snort-laugh) at a friend's joke and the last to leave a conversation. His ever-curious soul always wanted to know more, not to hoard that knowledge, but to share it. Off the clock, Bob was a social magnet - open, available, and genuinely interested in people. He was everyone's Cheerleader, the guy who showed up not only to have fun but to make sure everyone else did, too. And he was one of the rare few who didn't just participate in organized events; he rolled up his sleeves and did the work to make those events happen. Planning, organizing, coordinating - if it meant creating joy and community, Bob was the first to volunteer. Whether with his fellow Ski-zers on powder days out west, at the bowling alley, or on the tennis court, Bob brought that same energy and generosity. He was also a golfer, a mechanic, a plumber, a sensei, a philosopher - a man whose hands and mind were equally adept at fixing a leaky faucet or explaining the sociopolitical ramifications of a historical event. He won several awards for his stunning 1955 Buick Super at car shows. He fished with deft. He hunted fowl. He was always available for others to hear their stories and offer advice if asked. He was the kind of man who could fix your furnace, win a debate, land a trout, rewire a circuit, groom a prize-winning spaniel, cheer the loudest at a game, and still defer the spotlight so someone else could shine. He had gravitas - the quiet kind. The kind that made people lean in, not back. He was the smartest man in the room, yet never had to show it to others. He had a humble confidence that attracted others to his gentle spirit. Each person who had the privilege of being around Bob found themselves in a better place in life than before they met him. He will be missed, and those left behind will continue his legacy of inclusivity, kindness, humor, generosity, and compassion. In addition to several first and second cousins on both sides of the family, Bob is survived by his two children, Emi and Bobby Zysk, who are both filled with a lifetime of fond memories of their father. Emi especially remembers attending car shows, fishing and history trips, and heartfelt chats about life. Emi will miss finding that next great cookie together, walks and talks, contagious laughs on rollercoasters, "Goofy" grins on Disney trips, Bob giving Niley those sunshine back scratches, riding in the Buick on an open highway, and dancing to the Oldies. Bobby will remember the fishing trips in Old Lyme with his dad and grandfather casting the rod to catch bluefish. He is filled with gratitude because his dad showed him the beautiful side of humanity. Bob taught Bobby what true love is and the gift of listening without judgment so that people can be their true, authentic selves. There is no such thing as caring too much. Bob is survived by his wife, Judi Styers Zysk. Bob was the type of spouse who brought the other up in times of need. What mattered most to them was working together through life's challenges with love and trust for each other. Everything else was simply "Diddley Poo." He was her best friend. A partner in crime. Prince Charming to his Princess Judi. Even in death, his presence is still strong. The heart is still full of his essence, and that feeling will not subside any time soon. Love You Always and Forever!! Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Bob on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Church of Christ Congregational, at 1075 Main Street in Newington, Connecticut, beginning at 2:30 PM. At the request of the family please do not wear the color black to the memorial service. Bob was too bright a light and would want people to dress in light colors. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington is serving the family. To share a memory please visit www.duksa.net. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.