Robert Louis Cieri Sr., 91, died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. He was the husband of the late Jean (Walsh) Cieri.
Robert was born March 13, 1924, and spent his youth in Madison, N.J. While attending Madison High School he excelled in football and hockey. His football skills earned him recognition as part of the All Suburban Conference Team for his performances as right tackle.
At age 18, he enlisted in the Army where he served in the elite 10th Mountain Division. During WWII, he rose to the rank of sergeant and served his country with distinction in many special operations including the battles of Riva Ridge and Po Valley. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Robert returned home to Wilton, and attended the University of Connecticut where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He graduated with a degree in business and began a long and distinguished career with the Nestle Foods Corporation and rose from salesman to executive vice president of sales for North America.
Robert and his wife of 60 years, Jean, raised three children, settling in Stamford, and finally Wilton. After he and Jean retired they spent winters in Naples, Fla., and summers in Southbury. An avid tennis player and golfer, he loved gardening, entertaining, good Italian food and sunning himself on the beach. He will always be remembered for his charisma, sharp wit, and love of family.
He is survived by his son Robert and wife Mary Pat of Redding, daughter Joanne and husband Jonathan Lipson of Avon, son Jeffery of Fairfield, grandchildren Bobby and Katie of Redding, and older brother Joseph N. Cieri Jr. of East Haddam.
The family would like to thank his kind and compassionate caregivers for the care they provided, especially Duncaster, Caleb Hitchcock and McLean Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at St. Teresa’s Church, 146 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT at 10 a.m. A military interment ceremony will be held at a later date.
To send an online condolence visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.