Robert Renault

Bob was born October 17th, 1939 in Meriden CT, son of Edgar and Fernande (Bergeron) Renault of Calais, France and Quebec, respectively. After many summers running his own landscape business while in high school, he put himself through college, graduating from American International College in his hometown of Springfield, MA with a business degree in 1968. He served as the youngest branch manager of a bank in the state of Massachusetts and completed his military service before his last year and a half of college.

Bob served in the US Army Counter-Intelligence Corps as a Special Agent, completing his training at the US Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, MD in June 1962 and was honorably discharged in November 1967. He went on to a 14-year career in banking in the trust departments of First Jersey National Bank and Fidelity Union Bank, both in Newark, NJ. In 1982 he married Tallmadge Starr in New York City, and, wanting to his own business, bought a franchise in East Lyme, CT from VR Business Brokers which he later operated as Renault Associates.

Bob loved photography. He enjoyed traveling to Europe while in the army and later with his family to Spain, Bermuda and St. Martin. He enjoyed Broadway plays, the Metropolitan Opera and golf outings with his brother. Always wanting to be well-informed, he read several newspapers and magazines daily and every John Grisham novel during summers in Watch Hill, RI. Dining out was another favorite activity and he was always searching for new restaurants around Old Lyme and New York City.

Above all, he loved his family. Family traditions were very important to him, like going every year to the Westerly Christmas Pops, followed by dinner at the Daniel Packer Inne and pre-Christmas eve dinner at the Griswold Inn. His family was a source of great joy and pride. He was known for his kindness, warmth, friendliness and sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Tallmadge, son Reed, daughter Robin, brother Raymond Renault of New York City, niece, Maria Maloney and grand-niece, Emma Maloney of Springfield MA. He is predeceased by his brother Roger Renault.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at noon at The First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, in Old Lyme.

Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos and tributes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Disabled American Veterans, PO box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 Attn- Gift Processing.