1949-2014
Thompson – Robert Durocher, 64, of Fernwood Ave., died Thursday, January 30, 2014 surrounded by his loving family following a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Born in Worcester, on December 22, 1949, he was the son of the late Arthur and Stella (Brzuch) Durocher. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Bob attended St. Joseph’s High School in North Grosvenordale and earned an Associate’s Degree at Nichols College. He served in the Army during The Vietnam War. A lifelong Thompson resident, Bob was an active member for many years with the Knights of Columbus as well as the American Legion.
Bob had a passion for golf and enjoyed playing whenever possible. He played for the Plainfield Men’s Golf League for many years. In his youth he enjoyed watersports of any kind while living on Quaddick Lake. He loved teaching his daughters and neighborhood kids how to ski and was known for some pretty exciting tube rides. Bob and Kristine liked to take day trips in the convertible to which he coined the term “convertibling”. He also volunteered as an assistant T-Ball coach for the Thompson Little League. He greatly enjoyed taking his grandson Jackson on fishing trips and watching his granddaughter Gabriella dance. His grandchildren will miss the magical quarters that he pulled from their ears. He had a sense of humor that could not be matched and left an impression wherever he went.
He was a salesman through and through, working for over 30 years in sales and brokering to the manufacturing and tool industry. He prided himself on owning his own business for several of those years. In his final years he worked for Jolley Concrete. Bob loved working with people and formed many great friendships through his work endeavors.
Despite all of his professional success, Bob’s proudest accomplishment was always his family. He is survived by his wife, Kristine, of 40 years. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his two daughters, Heather (Durocher) Santos and her husband, Brian, and Jennifer (Durocher) Cafasso and her husband, Joseph; 2 grandchildren Jackson and Gabriella Santos; brother Arthur Durocher and countless friends who will miss Bob dearly but consider themselves incredibly fortunate to have known him.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, February 7, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am, on Saturday, February 8th, 2014 at the Putnam Baptist Church, 170 Church Street, Putnam. At the request of the family, donations may be made to two institutions: ECHO (Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology) Cancer Foundation 330 Washington Street, Suite 220, Norwich, CT 06360 and/or Backus Hospital Cancer Center -www.backushospital.org. For a memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
loretta lagasse
jenn i am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad my heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family although i never met your dad i do know by reading what was written about him you carry so many of his wonderful traits i know as a mom he was and will forever be proud of you he is sure to be your guardian angel . may you find peace and solace at this time
Charles
Dear Kristi,
Both Nan and I extend and declare God’s Peace to be with you. May He emcompass your soul and grant you the consolation of His unending love, mercy and grace.
We love you and pray for you.
Chuck and Nan Schleich
Erin and Megan Phillips
We send you and yours all of our blessings and prayers for your loss.We know how you’re feeling and so all we can say is we’re sorry.
ursula davey
Kristine, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. He sounds like a wonderful man.
Cliff & Veronica Heimall
It is with shared sadness that we send this message of condolence.
A part of Bob remains within each of us that have been a part of his life in both small and large ways. He fought the good fight with courage, honor and dignity. The Lord knew it was time for him to rest and be freed from the earthly burdens and trials of life. We will miss our Mr. Bob greatly!
With Our Love, Prayers, Friendship and Deepest Sympathy,
Veronica (Ronnie) & Cliff Heimall
Priscilla Gimas
Kristi,
My sincerest sympathy on your loss. God Bless you and your family.
Priscilla
Mark Nowacki
Dear Durocher Family,
We are all sad that Uncle Bobby passed away. He will always be fondly remembered. God bless.
Mark, Chuen, Dodge, Tippy, Callie, and Plato
Ingrid Andersen
I am so sad! I will try to think of him golfing in heaven and hanging with the “Polish Princess”!
Carol Hopkins and Skip Skarp (Carol's husband)
Bob was the best, and one of a kind! He was a man with a positive attitude, and I always think of him smiling and making you feel good. I picture him opening the trunk of the car to show his new golf clubs on a warm summer’s day. It was a true privilege to have known him.
Tim & Barbara Orman
CHristine and family,
So sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you,
Love, Tim and Barb
Dave and Peg Babbitt
Kris, Heather, Jennifer and family, Very sad to read the news of Bob’s passing… He will be missed by his many friends from the Thompson Lions Golf League…Perhaps he and his friend Jim Naum are playing a round right now…Both Peg and I share your sorrow and offer our most sincere condolences…Dave Babbitt
Tim & Barbara Orman
So sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Thinking of you.
Love, Tim & Barbara
Barbara Hanosky
May God comfort each of you at this time and in the times ahead. My deepest sympathy to you all. I will miss him.
Christine Nowacki
I’m so sorry to hear about Uncle Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Johnny Rich
Brian,Heather and family
Lien and I are so sorry about the lose of Bob. I remember meeting Bob at your wedding and his great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Sylvia E. Lenti
Dear Kristi and family,
My deepest sympathy is extended to you upon the passing of your beloved husband. I met Bob many years ago at a high school field day and I remember his great personality and beautiful smile. I am so sorry for your loss.Please know that I am thinking of you at this difficult time.
Love,
Sylvia
Adam Strelczuk
I have an image of Bob burned into my head going out on his late day boat ride in the midst of summer, sitting on top of the backrest instead of in the seat. It usually started out slow and ended with one hot lap around the pond. A good way to end a day I thought. My heart felt condolences go out to his girls. God Bless!
Dorothy Frisch
Dear Kristi,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss! May God strengthen you and surround you with his peace.
Earl & Deb Leighton
Our thoughts go out to the Durocher family, it saddens our hearts to hear of his passing.
Jane Ellison
Dear Kris and Family,
My heart goes out to you during this sad and heavy time. May the peace of God enfold you and bring you comfort…………………Jane
Bob & Cis Nowacki
Dear Kris & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will always remember Bob for his kind and fun-loving ways. We spent many happy times together in Connecticut and these will never be forgotten. We were also fortunate to spend time with him and all of you at the wedding. Although it is hard, you know that he is at peace and that his love will always be there with you. God bless
Steve Hammond
Kristi and family,
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I will never forget his rescuing me from a breakdown on the highway and his thorough follow up, just like the proverbial Good Samaritan.
May God’s presence and comfort fill your hearts and memories with His hope and faith and love.
Stephanie
Offering my deepest condolences to the Durocher family and friends for the loss of your dear loved one. May your treasured memories and the drawing ever closer to God through prayer begin to help bring you the comfort you need during these difficult days of sorrow. (2Cor1:3,4)(Rev21:4)(Acts24:15)(Isa25:8 & 41:10-13)
Erica & Larry Groh
Kristi,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you and your children.
~ Larry & Erica Groh
XOXO
Larry Labonte
Kristi sorry for your loss.
Anna M.Mendes-O'Leary
Dear Kristie and family,
I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather, Even though I never met him, after reading the obituary, I could tell he was a wonderful man. Hopefully he will be in a better place free of suffering and pain even though he left this earth much too early. May the memories of all the years that you and your family shared bring you comfort at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sending love and hugs. Anna
PS Feel free to call me anytime and we can go out together if ever you need someone to talk with.
Diane Cooney
Dear Kristi,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. When my father died, I came to believe that those who touch our hearts show us a piece of God, a face of God. My father showed me God’s gentle strength. I hope that, as you heal from the pain of this loss and look back in gratitude for the time you had with your husband Bob, you will appreciate the face of God he showed you and even come to smile through your tears. May the good Lord wrap you in His loving arms and comfort you.
Wishing you peace,
Diane Cooney
Mary Jo Porto Reilly
Dear Kristine,
I just read the news and my love and condolences go out to you and your daughters and their families. The obituary was beautiful. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers often as this year moves ahead. May you be consoled by the many loving memories you have and the loving friends and family in your life.
Fondly,
Mary Jo
Jim Gauthier
Arthur ( Butchy). Sorry to read about the passing of your brother Bob. Trying to find info on you. Remember you as my best friend from Main Street Putnam. Contact Gilman’s and see if you can get my email from them. Love to hear from
You. Jim Gauthier