Bob Lenihan

Bob, son of Cyril and Irene Wahler Lenihan, was born in Bridgeport CT and grew up in Nichols. Bob attended Harding High School where he graduated with the class of '57. After high school he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Upon completing his service, he returned home and continued his education at University of Bridgeport. Bob quickly found himself in the restaurant supply industry where he had a long and successful career servicing, buying and selling commercial cooking equipment, ultimately retiring from Globe Equipment Company in Bridgeport. While managing his career and family, Bob received his real estate license and used his knowledge to invest in rental property.

Bob met the love of his life Patricia Moran and after a long courtship they married in 1972. They moved to Monroe where they created a wonderful life for their family. Early in their marriage, they became active in their community joining multiple groups including the Monroe Jaycees where Bob formed lifelong friendships. Bob went on to be an active member of the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield where he continued to grow his endless friend group. Some of his contributions were being part of the building committee where he was an integral part of the team to develop their current facility and was also part of the expansion committee helping grow it to the club it is today. Bob was a founding member of the nonprofit arm of the Gaelic American Club, Feile, and was also a formidable part of the volunteer group that began and ran the Fairfield County Irish Festival for 25 years. Additionally, Bob loved to travel. He and Patty K enjoyed several cruises throughout the world with longtime friends Mike & Laurie Marucci and friends from Ireland Mike & Lilian Keeley and Seamus and Lyla Murphy as well as numerous trips to Ireland, for which he had a particular fondness. His fondness for Irish stepdance led to several lasting friendships with both students and families of his wife & daughter’s Lenihan School of Irish Dance.

In his spare time, Bob obsessed over the Fairfield U Stags basketball team. He was a season ticket holder for 50 plus years and followed every play of every game, both home and away. He followed the team through all of their transitions, along with good friend John Santilli, and never missed a home game. Again, Bob formed many friendships watching his games, Go Stags! In addition to FU, he found time to follow all other sports with a particular passion for the JETS and Mets, as well as anyone playing against UConn, the Patriots, or the Yankees.

His Love for sports was only surpassed by his love for his family. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Patty K, who gave him unparalleled care to the last minute as well as his 3 children Meghan Lenihan of Monroe, Marilee Tillman and her husband Jay of Southbury, and Ryan Lenihan and his wife Angela of Trumbull. He also leaves behind 2 cherished grandchildren, Ian & Finn Tillman. He is also survived by his devoted brother-in-law Donald Moran and his wife Vickie of Shelton as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Donna Lenihan, sister and brother-in-law Janet and Jack Benard, nephew Peter Benard as well as his brother and sister in law Tom (Red) and Arlene Moran, and brother in law James Moran.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Monday 4-18 5:00-8:00 at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468. Funeral Service to be celebrated Tuesday 4-19 at 11:00 AM at St Jude's Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Bridgeport Rescue Mission and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital