Robert D Pezze

Robert “Bob” Domenic Pezze, 77, passed away peacefully at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Despite his health issues, Bob lived his life to the fullest, never having his spirit broken.

Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 3, 1944.  After moving to Torrington he loved to spend summers in New York city with his many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Bob graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical School.  After graduation, he worked at several local manufacturing organizations while becoming involved in local union activities.  During this time Bob became a principal founder of the Torrington Human Rights Commission, an agency that ensured equal treatment and respect for human rights of all people in the City of Torrington.   Bob then pursued a career with AFSCME, Council 4, where he was promoted to the level of Staff Representative, enabling him to impact and improve workers’ rights throughout his career.  Bob devoted several decades to this field before he retired. 

Bob was an avid lover of art, theater and photography.  His passion took him to many shows, exhibits, and museums, which included him volunteering at the New Britain Museum of American Art for many years. He was a creative soul who always had the ability to appreciate an artist’s talents.

Bob loved to travel and his favorite places were Jamaica, Provincetown, MA, Maine, Saratoga, NY, and the Rocky Neck section of Gloucester, MA.  

He loved his family and enjoyed spending the holidays with them.  He especially enjoyed planning our Easter Brunch every year – making sure that every detail of the event was perfect. He was an incredible father and grandfather giving us all so many special memories.  

Bob is survived by his life partner, Robyn Bugbee. Robyn was the light of his life. She was his forever love and his best friend for over 40 years.  Robyn has been an amazing support, providing love and devotion to Bob that is unmatched.  He was blessed to have her by his side. 

Besides his life partner, Bob is survived by two daughters, Tami Smedick (Pezze) and husband Patrick Smedick, Traci Bonassar (Pezze) and husband Joseph Bonassar, a sister Margherita (Pezze) Strandberg and husband, Jeffrey Strandberg, and a brother Dennis Pezze.  He is also survived by a granddaughter Marisa Carrozzo (Iannacito) and her husband Tyler Carrozzo, as well as their soon to be born daughter, Blakely Rae Carrozzo, two grandsons, Chad Beaton and Jake Beaton, and two nieces Shannon Strandberg and Erin Stewart.  Bob is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Keystone Place at Newbury Brook for their love and support. We would also like to thank the staff of the ICU at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital for their incredible commitment to caring for Bob.  

A memorial service will be held at Phalen Funeral Home at 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington on Monday, November 8th.  Visitors are invited to pay their respects from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. (Masks are requested) Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Partners in Hope or Smile Train in Bob’s memory. on line memorials www.phalenfuneral.com

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