Robert Wesley Firmin Jr.

Bob was born in New London, Connecticut on October 30, 1955 to Robert W. Firmin Sr. and Mary Sullivan Firmin. At the age of 13, before he could even drive, Bob started working at Scott’s Orchard: this was the beginning of a lifetime of unparalleled work ethic. A 1973 graduate of East Lyme High School, Bob began working at Belanger’s Arco during his senior year of high school; a career he never anticipated for himself but soon grew to love. He worked closely with his boss, Bob Belanger, who told him that if he wanted to stay there, he would teach him all that he knew. Bob was determined to succeed: in January of 1979, at the age of 23, he bought Belanger’s Arco, to be renamed Bob’s Arco.

On July 14, 1979, Bob married the love of his life, Eileen Rando and soon welcomed their first child, Robert Wesley Firmin III. Over the next few years, their family blossomed with the joyous births of their daughter, Nicole, and twins, Lauren and Michael.

In 1984, Bob opened Firmin’s Garage, where he was known to go above and beyond for his customers, which even meant being out in his wrecker at all hours. Bob believed that he had to do whatever it took to get the job done and please his customers: he would pick them up, drop them off, and even lend them his own car, a pristine 1997, maroon, Buick Park Avenue, which he fondly referred to as his “Rolls Royce.” Bob had a knack for finding beauty in unlikely places; he would often tell Eileen, “I have a vision.” This thought applied to the businesses that they created, the homes that they built together, and the family that they so deeply cherished. Despite only having a high school education, Bob worked tirelessly to provide for his family and continued to demonstrate the same work ethic that he had at 13 throughout the rest of his life.

Although Bob was dedicated to his work, he also understood the importance of having a work-life balance and lived life to the absolute fullest. He always said that he wasn’t here for a long time; he was here for a good time. Some of the best moments in Bob’s life were spent on his boat, Sweet Thing, whether it was trips to Block Island or off-shore fishing; memories that included five generations of Firmins. He loved fishing with the Schaller’s on the Reel Teaser, going on vacation with Eileen, Dale and Paul, and Nancy and Greg, Friday nights with the Go Fish gang, his standing Thursday night dinner reservation with his friends, and Saturday morning coffee with the boys. Bob loved spending time in Naples, Florida where he frequented the Naples Pier and the Blue Martini, two of his favorites. Bob was deeply established in his community and belonged to both the Herweigh German Club #12, and the New London Elks Club, both of which he was a member for more than 25 years. Despite Bob’s countless achievements in his career, he believed his greatest accomplishment to be raising four hardworking, respectable, loving children. He often referred to his grandchildren, Reese and Clint, as the apple of his eye, and was over the moon with the news of Mikey and Sarah expecting their new baby in January.

Left in sorrow to mourn the passing of Bob is his mother, Mary; his beloved wife, Eileen; his four children, Wes, Nicole, Lauren, and Michael and their significant others, Luci, Ryan, and Sarah; his two grandchildren, Reese and Clint; siblings, Susan, Jeffrey, and Pamela; numerous family members that will treasure his memory; endless friends that, in Bob’s eyes, were family; and his four-legged friend, Mako. Bob was welcomed with loving arms into heaven by his father, Robert Firmin Sr., and his mother-in-law Joan Yvon Conley.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the L&M Cancer Center. Please join us on Thursday, July 7 at 3:00 PM to celebrate the life of an unforgettable man. His celebration will take place at the Port & Starboard at Ocean Beach in New London, Connecticut. Please dress in casual “Bob style”: Guy Harvey, boat shoes, shorts, sandals, and two thumbs up.