Robert Paul Piersa Sr.

Robert Paul Piersa Sr. (known as Bob to many) passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 59 on December 15th 2020 in the arms of his loving wife Debbie Piersa. Bob had been battling cancer for the last 5 years and was an inspiration to his many friends and family with his positive attitude and fighting spirit. Throughout the last months of his battle, Bob coined the phrase “overcomer” as a reminder that through faith all obstacles can be overcome and to never give up “NMW” (no matter what).

Bob was born July 14th 1961 in Hartford CT. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Helen Piersa (Maliszewski) and Felix Piersa. Bob was an active and driven child, enjoying playing basketball, woodworking, swimming, and spending time outside with friends. In his career, Bob spent over 30 years as a dedicated member of the Laborers Union building numerous buildings all over Connecticut. Bob met his wife Debbie at the young age of 16 and their fairytale love story blossomed throughout their 43 years together.

On June 14th 1986 Bob and Debbie were married at St. Cyril Methodius church. Bob and Debbie shared the love of a lifetime, finding joy in the simple things. They spent their days camping in their RV, watching the cardinals, walking the dogs, eating ice cream, admiring the stars, playing setback with friends, and sharing their routine morning cup of coffee. They were a textbook definition of true love and never missed a kiss goodnight or the chance for a good photo op. Bob enjoyed taking his wife to concerts and “dancing like nobody was watching.” Throughout their years, Bob and Debbie’s love served as a foundation for their children to build upon, and for many others; an inspiration many aspired (and continue to aspire) to duplicate.

On June 12th 1988 Bob and Debbie welcomed their first child, a son Robert Paul Piersa Jr. Bob took great pride in being a father and teaching his son everything from sports, to everyday life skills and deep life lessons. On April 16th 1991 Bob and Debbie welcomed their second child, a daughter Cynthia Michelle (Seifert) Piersa who instantly formed a father daughter bond and remained very close. Bob took great pride in his children, he and Debbie shared in the great joy of watching them grow up and start families of their own. Bob’s legacy as a husband stands right in line with his legacy as a father. Bob never missed a beat with his children and was always there when they needed him. Whether it was advice, or help with a project, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on Bob was the rock in his children’s lives.

Bob served as a beaming light in everyone’s life that he entered. There are numerous stories and testaments to the wonderful man he was and countless people whose lives he has changed. Bob’s mantra was to “always help people” and he certainly lived his life in that way. Bob was a pillar in the recovery community, speaking about his experiences and serving as a role model for anyone looking to make a positive change in their life. He even went so far as to host meetings in his basement and open up his home for those who needed a place to stay.

Bob was not the type of person to let life pass him by. If he wasn’t fixing or building something he was out with his wife enjoying every moment or driving his beloved mustang with the top down. Bob fought a long difficult battle with cancer, overcoming many many obstacles along the way. He will live on in our hearts as the strongest man we’ve ever known.

Bob is predeceased by his Mother Helen Piersa (Maliszewski) and Father Felix Piersa. He leaves behind his adoring wife Debbie Piersa, his two children Robert Paul Piersa Jr and his wife Melanie Piersa, and Cynthia Seifert and her husband Adam Seifert. Bob also leaves behind his one year old granddaughter Cecilia Piersa, another granddaughter due in March 2021, his brothers Felix Piersa and wife Bea Piersa, John Piersa, Stephen Piersa, his sister Carol Chretien, and countless friends who have become family.

In leiu of flowers, we ask that you pay it forward and help someone in need as a testament to the wonderful husband/father/brother/friend we lost too soon. Bob’s life will be celebrated every day by those who he has touched, but unfortunately with the current COVID situation there will not be a public celebration of his life at this time. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, has been entrusted by the family with the arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit desopoeh.com.