Robert D. Guzzio

Bob was born in New Haven, CT on August 22nd, 1942. He was the second of six children to the late Salvatore and Helen (Cain) Guzzio. To his proud mother he was, “my son the engineer,” to his siblings the young adult brother who carried a folded paper plate in his wallet in case someone offered him a slice of pizza, to his beloved wife the husband who brought flowers more often than just special occasions, and to his children and grandchildren the proud father/grandfather who always told them to, “do your best, and do your homework.” He was the go-to trusted friend to many, and an especially respected colleague.

In college, when pantyhose were all the rage, Bob was charmed by the girl in bobby socks sitting across the room in chemistry class. After silently passing an engagement ring over the center console of his first car right after tossing coins into the West Haven toll booth basket on I-95, Bob married Linda Reed of Sylvania, Ohio. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and a commitment to one another that spanned 58 years.

Bob leaves behind his devoted wife Linda, children Michelle (Chris) Hall, David Guzzio, and Kimberly Guzzio. Seven grandchildren: Robert, Charles, and Evelyn Guzzio, Abbigail and Samantha Chemacki, and Amber and Henry Hall. His sisters Eleanor (Judith Plathe) Guzzio and Lorraine Chammah, and brothers-in-law Dennis (Joyce) Reed and Scott (Ruth) Reed. He is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends, predeceased by brothers James (Dolores), Richard, and Michael Guzzio.

After graduating from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Bob studied at the Hartford Technical Institute before transferring to the University of Toledo in Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. With a young family, Bob often got up early at 4:00 am to study before leaving for work. He then earned his Master's degree in Engineering from the University of New Haven.

Bob’s professional life spanned 35 years as a senior engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT, where he oversaw the design, building, and repairs of periscopes on US submarines. He was the middleman between office and ship, checking onboard work and accompanying trial runs underwater to ensure functionality and safety.

Sports were a big part of Bob’s life outside of work and family. He loved to golf, going as far as to organize a golfing league with his coworkers– even buying a special printer for his self-proclaimed duty. Through the years, he made many special friendships on the course, including his self-titled group the “RPGA” (Really Pathetic Golf Association). In his younger years, he played in a local men’s softball league and volunteered as a baseball umpire who wouldn’t hesitate to kick out any unruly parent. Many nights he could be found enthusiastically cheering on the UConn Huskies basketball teams, though no one in his life was a Husky alum. In more recent years, Bob and Linda could be found at the many field hockey, basketball, football, water polo, and swimming events of their grandchildren.

Bob was a funny, generous, and compassionate person who spent his life thinking of others and trying to leave things at least a little better than how he found them. Above all else, Bob was a proud family man, a provider and a protector. His greatest legacy was not the submarines he kept safe, but rather the home he made for the family he loved beyond words.

Bob will remain in the hearts of the people he impacted, the friendships he built, and the examples he gave. His family will carry him forward through the stories, lessons, laughter, and countless memories, continuing to live in a way that would make him proud.

Visiting hours are on Friday, September 4th, from 4-6 pm at the Swan Funeral Home in Madison, CT. There will be a Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, September 5th, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Madison at 9:00am, followed by the burial in West Cemetery and a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital can be made in his memory (stjude.org) (501 St. Jude Place - Memphis, TN 38105).