Robert Joseph Vitari

Robert J. Vitari, Sr. (Bob), age 95, of Essex, CT passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. Bob was born at Yale New Haven Hospital on May 15, 1930. He was a lifelong resident of Essex, Connecticut and graduated from Pratt High School in 1950, where he played music, soccer, and ran track—earning a state championship in the 4x800 relay. After high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he trained as a helicopter mechanic and later worked at Sikorsky Aircraft. Industrious and entrepreneurial, Bob went on to earn professional trade accreditations, start his own construction business and then founded Essex Concrete Products in 1958. Bob was co-owner with lifelong friend, Vic Bombaci of the Connecticut Valley Rocket “V-8,” a race car that competed across the Northeast and East Coast, winning multiple championships in the 1950s and 60s. His contributions to the sport were honored with induction into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2006. He has contributed to the Essex, Deep River, Chester, and Middlesex County communities throughout his lifetime. Bob was dedicated to the Essex Lions Club in several capacities (including developing their annual clambake, car show, and raising the gazebo in the town park) and served as President. He was on the Board of Directors at Essex Savings Bank, and donated his time, skills, or materials to many charitable causes. He enjoyed restoring and showing his vintage automobiles, tractors, carriages, sawmill, as well as raising livestock, pets and vegetables of all kinds. Bob was a prolific tinker and hobbyist with many interests and was knowledgeable about countless matters and topics. He was constantly in motion, would help anyone out, and could fix just about anything. Bob was always striking up a conversation, making friends or sharing a laugh wherever he went. He never turned down a chicken BBQ, going out for ice cream or to a local fair with his family, and always found the best corn from the farmstand for dinner. He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Serafino and Pasqualina (Arrigoni) Vitari of Vedeseta, Italy, and his dear sister, Elizabeth D’Alessio. Bob is survived by his adored wife of 58 years, Ruth (Main) Vitari; his children, Patricia, Cynthia, and Robert; sons-in-law David and Douglas and daughter-in-law Ashley; five cherished grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews whom he held close to his heart.

Public visitation will take place on Tuesday July 1st from 4-7 p.m. at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT 06409. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John's Church (St. Pio Parish) on Wednesday July 2nd at 11 a.m. 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Essex Lions Charities (PO Box 525 Essex,CT 06426) or the Essex Ambulance Association(PO Box 233 Ivoryton, CT 06442).