Robert Clarence Broga Jr.

Age 88

16 Crossley Court, Niantic, CT

passed on August, 23, 2017

at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, New London, CT

Bob was born on July 26th, 1929

in Groton, Ct to Robert Clarence Broga and Bertha May (Dean) Broga

Bob graduated from Chapman Technical High School in New London, CT in 1947. He started his employment with Manwarring & Sons as a carpenter and started volunteer service at both the Niantic Fire Department and Flanders Fire Department.

He married his forever sweetheart Mary D Cornet on July 30th, 1950 at the Niantic Congregational Church.

Shortly after marriage he was called into Service for the US Army in 1950. He ranked Sargent in the 238th anti-aircraft artillery gun battalion in Japan during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and he and Mary became longtime residents of Niantic.

In 1952 he worked at Electric Boat on the construction of the submarine USS Nautilus.

Leaving Electric Boat, he worked for Joe Maynard Ice, Coal and Oil Company for 11 years. During that time he joined the East Lyme Police Department as a part time Constable (the longest time served by any constable in the town of East Lyme) retiring after 30 years. He maintained membership in the Niantic Fire Department for 50 years and also served as Dog Warden for the town of East Lyme for 11 years.

Until retirement, he ran Niantic Fuel Co. and later owned Broga & Son Fuel Co. Inc.

During his life he was a member of the American Legion post 128, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Interstate Police Officers Association, Lions, and the Bayview Lodge of the Masons.

Bob enjoyed Fishing, Bowling, Gardening, and was an avid Red Sox fan. Spending time with Family was very important. He loved all animals and had a special relationship with his favorite feline Lady Claire.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary D. Cornet Broga, his son Robert Paul Broga of Niantic, CT, his daughter Carolyn and her husband frank Dykes of Middletown Springs, VT, his daughter Brenda and her husband Donald MacRae of New London, CT, and his niece Anne Viens of Waterford, CT. He enjoyed his four grandchildren Coralee Merolla, Thomas W. Barnes III, Tracy Anne Arner, and Robert Paul Broga Jr. and his five great-grandchildren Kaylee Anne Merolla, Samuel Merolla, Jamie Dean Arner, Lucien Merolla Jr. and Madelynn Renee Barnes.

Bob is survived by his brother Paul L Broga of Florida and predeceased by his sister Gladys Jutila.

He gave of himself to his family, friends, and community selflessly.

Our family will have a huge hole in our hearts and lives until we are with him again.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please share a memory of Bob or leave condolences for the family.