Robert "Bob" Garber

Robert Garber, 72, of Preston Connecticut, passed away on May 4, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was with his wife of 25 years, Janet, when he passed.

He was a proud native of Brooklyn, N.Y, where he was born on January 2, 1943. He graduated from the City College of New York with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He received his Masters degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Following his graduation from college, Bob began a distinguished career at the Naval Underwater Warfare Center in New London, Connecticut, then known as the Naval Underwater Systems Center. Bob was known nationally as a pioneer in the development of sonar systems for submarines. In the nomination for the Navy’s prestigious Decibel Award, which he was awarded, Bob was described as “one of the foremost submarine sonar systems engineers in the United States.” Among his many accomplishments was the development and introduction for the first towed array used tactically on a submarine. He also led the SEAWOLF Class submarine acoustic design team.

In addition to his service to his country, Bob also served his local community as a longtime volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Mohegan Fire Department in Uncasville, CT. He was a Life Member of the Fire Department and a Firefighter and EMT of the Year. He was twice named the New London Lodge of Elks Firefighter of the Year. He served as the Treasurer of the Fire Department for over a decade.

Bob had a large and loving circle of family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life, Janet Garber of Preston, CT; his son Ross Garber and daughter-in-law Gail Bysiewicz of Glastonbury, CT; his son Michael Garber and daughter-in-law Lara Garber of Norwich, CT; and his daughter Blair Bramer and son-in-law Mark Bramer of Herndon, VA. He was a fun and doting grandfather to Sullivan Stansfield; Tess Garber; Madeline Baldwin; Max Garber; Kaitlyn Baldwin; and Mason Baldwin.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 2:30pm at the Preston City Cemetery. A Memorial Reception will be held at the Mohegan Fire Company immediately following burial. There are no calling hours.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Mohegan Fire Company, 2029 Norwich-New London Tnpk., Uncasville, CT 06382.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.churchandallen.com