Robert J. McAvoy

Robert Joseph McAvoy, 90, passed away July 2nd, 2013. Bob was born May 11, 1923 to the late James Francis McAvoy and Florence O'Connell McAvoy in Hartford, CT. Bob lived in Glastonbury for 57 years. He graduated from Westminster School in Simsbury, CT. in 1941. After one semester at Wesleyan University in Middletown, he enlisted in the U.S. Army (WWII) where he saw combat in the Philippines. Upon returning from the South Pacific, Bob transferred to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY where he received a degree in mechanical engineering in 1950. He taught math for two years at St. Mark's School in Southboro, MA and then one year at Riverdale Country Day School in New York, N.Y. where he met his bride, Alice Hoffman McAvoy. Bob and Alice were married on June 20th, 1953 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. In 1956, Bob joined Pratt and Whitney where he was employed until his retirement in 1987. As a Flight Operations Engineer, Bob traveled extensively to Europe, India and Pakistan, and throughout South America. Bob was a member of Orchard Hill Club, and Springfield Ski Club. Each of his children has fond memories of their youth, learning to swim and play tennis at OHC and snow ski at Blandford. In addition to his family, Bob's passion in life included airplanes and automobiles. He was an accomplished auto mechanic restoring 14 classic Ford automobiles including 11 Mustangs. For many years, he owned a vacation home in North Myrtle Beach, SC where he would spend his summer vacations and winters after he retired. He loved to travel and visited many places in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. He spent the last few years of his life at Buckingham Estates in Glastonbury.

Bob leaves his wife of 60 years, Alice, his son Bob and wife Joyce of Hinsdale, IL, daughter Beth and husband Bob Stewart of Tolland, CT and son John and wife Adriane of Charleston, SC and six grandchildren: James McAvoy, Kay and Caroline Stewart, and Drew, Elyse and Julia McAvoy. In addition he leaves two sisters-in –law, Patricia McAvoy and Bonnie Lowe and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers James McAvoy and Donald McAvoy and sister Elizabeth McAvoy Marilley.

Calling hours will be held at the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, Monday, July 8th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:30. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For more information, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com