Robert Howard Dornan

Bob was raised on a farm in western New York and enjoyed his early years exploring the outdoors, especially through his involvement with the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Ten Broeck Academy/Franklinville Central School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Buffalo. Later, in 1987, he received his master’s degree from CSU through an awarded study fellowship from the telephone company. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

On April 30, 1966, Bob married Nanette (Nan) Gena in Franklinville, New York. The couple moved to Longmont in 1982 when Bob transferred with AT&T. He retired from Lucent Technologies in 1999 after a long career in telecommunications.

Bob taught a graduate-level networking course at the evening division of the University of Denver; he also taught at Front Range Community College after his retirement. He had a gift for anything involving electronics, always soaking up new technology. He took great joy in being able to help others, always building or repairing electrical equipment for others. A number of high school students were recipients of computers he built using bits and pieces from broken computers. When living in WNY, he was very involved in the Telephone Pioneers, developing aids for the handicapped. He was also a den leader for Pack 160 in Cub Scouts. In Colorado, he was involved with Senior Center Tech Connect at the Senior Center, a member of the Longmont Amateur Radio Club, and Meals on Wheels. He maintained the church's phone system and computer system for many years. Bob also sang in the church choir.

After his retirement, "for fun," he worked at Alpha Power in Boulder, repairing equipment, and also at Radio Shack in Longmont. For several years, he restored farm equipment at the Agricultural Heritage Center on Highway 66. He also became involved in video editing and produced several programs for our local community access channel.

One highlight in his life was an interview he held with astronaut Jim Voss. On June 21, 2001, he and a small group of high school students made contact with an astronaut on the International Space Station.

Another highlight was his Tiger Cruise on the USS Lake Erie, boarding the ship in Guam, spending 1O days with his son, and getting a taste of ship life while returning to Hawaii.

During his illness, he took up building model airplanes, using balsa wood and tissue paper. Over 30 still remain in his man cave at home, looking for a home.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Nan; sons David (Johnna) Dornan of Aurora, CO, and James Dornan of Longmont, CO; grandchildren Ryan Dornan of Trinidad, CO, Jonathan (Dylan) Dornan of Arlington, VA, Daniel Dornan of Aurora, CO, and Lydia Dornan of Aurora, CO; and his sister Mary (Samuel) Gadam of Honolulu, HI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Laura.

A memorial service will be held at Central Longmont Presbyterian Church on September 20, 2025, at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Longmont Presbyterian Church, Meals on Wheels, or an organization of your choice.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, his inventive spirit, and his lifelong commitment to helping others.