Obituary: Robert R Hartley, 95, of Niantic

NIANTIC, CT - (From Neilan Funeral Home) Robert Ritchie Hartley, of Niantic, CT, peacefully left this world in his home surrounded by his devoted, loving family on June 1, 2020.

He was predeceased by his wife, Eugenia “Genie” of 67 years and survived by his four children, R. Corydon Hartley of Merrimack NH (Linda), E. Cheryl Wisniewski of East Lyme (Michael), Kris Hartley Wohlgemuth, of Niantic CT, and Kit Hartley of Niantic, CT (Steven). Six grandchildren (Gina, Rob, Julie, Kelsy, TJ, & Cory) and seven great grandchildren also survive him.

Bob, as he was known to all, who knew him, was born March 16, 1925 in Philadelphia to Ritchie Hartley & Christine Koehler Hartley. He survived his brother Leroy, also from Philadelphia.

After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp and fought in World War II. Following the war, Bob enrolled at Penn State where he met his wife Genie. After graduating with a degree in Physics, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US Air Force and serviced in the Korean War.

Bob started his industry career as an engineer at Union Switch & Signal in Pittsburgh and after a short stop in Cincinnati; he came to Connecticut in 1961 working for Avco and Raytheon. He joined the Naval Underwater System Center in 1975 and retired in 1994.

Bob & Genie led an active life together. Some of their favorite hobbies were sailing, camping, golf, playing bridge, and most importantly, entertaining family & friends. They enjoyed their summer days & evenings at Niantic Bay Yacht Club and equally enjoyed traveling the world.

Throughout his life, Bob had a quest for knowledge. He had a passion to educate himself in several areas including woodworking, technology, genealogy, and current events.Bob was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran church, giving time & funds to local charities as well as being active in East Lyme politics spending time on the East Lyme planning commission.

Bob will be greatly missed by all his family and friends but we take comfort knowing wherever he is, he and Genie are enjoying their martinis together.

Burial will be private but a celebration of his life is being planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niantic American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with Bob’s family at www.neilanfuneralhome.com