Robert Mallozzi, Father of First Selectman, Ran Bob's Sports, Passes Away

Robert E. Mallozzi, the father of New Canaan First Selectman Robert E. Mallozzi III, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2015. He had run Bob’s Sports, a family business in New Canaan and Stamford, and had helped organize New Canaan’s first Sidewalk Sale Days in the 1970s.

The son of the late Robert E. and Caroline Chianelli Mallozzi, he was predeceased by his only sibling, Edward Ralph Mallozzi, in 2012 and was married to his beloved wife, Phyllis Andrea Mallozzi, for 54 years.

Mallozzi, a lifelong Darien resident, graduated from Darien High School and the University of Vermont. He served in the US Armed Forces for two years before joining the family business and becoming President of Bob’s Sports, Inc., a sporting goods and clothing business established in 1937.

During his tenure the store garnered many national retailing awards including “Ski Shop of the East” and “Sporting Goods Dealer Regional Retailer of the Year.”

As an active member of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, he helped organize the town’s first Sidewalk Sales days in the ‘70s and later became a founder and director of the New Canaan Bank & Trust. He recently served as managing partner of Caroline Realty, a family-owned commercial real estate company.

As an area business owner and Darien native, Bob was a well-liked figure known for his warmth, jovial nature, leadership and generosity. Countless people in Stamford, Darien and New Canaan have fond memories of working for and being mentored by him at Bob’s Sports.

Bob was also well-known for his musical abilities and for being an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf and traveling with his wife Phyllis. He was a long-time member of the Country Club of Darien and the Gainey Ranch Club in Scottsdale, AZ, where he and Phyllis spent winters.

He was also a former member at the Shorehaven Country Club, and a board member of the CT Junior/Senior Golf Association. He was an accomplished trap shooter and belonged to the Wood Way Gun Club.

For the past 4 years, Bob was a proud volunteer at the Tully Health Center, where he could be found at the front desk greeting patients. But of all his passions and talents, nothing made Bob happier than spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. He will be remembered by all of them for his humble demeanor, sense of humor, and zest for life.

In addition to his wife, the former Phyllis Andrea of Greenwich and son, he is survived by his daughter, Andrea Mallozzi of Darien CT, grandson Robert E. Mallozzi IV, and granddaughter Katherine Elizabeth. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dana Mallozzi of New Canaan CT, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 16 at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd., Darien. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, April 17th at 2pm at St. Johns Church, 1986 Post Rd., Darien. There will be a private family interment at Spring Grove Cemetery.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Philip Negus, Dr. Lousie Resor, Dr. Michael Barr, and Dr. William Pintauro for all the care they provided.

Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Vermont Foundation, UVM Fund, 411 Main S., Burlington, VT 05401 or the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., P. O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492.