Robert G. Zobbi

Born in Southington, CT on November 10, 1938, Robert was the son of the late Eligio and Maria (Amadori) Zobbi.

He was raised in Southington but proudly called Southbury home for over 50 years, moving there in 1971 with his first wife Olga. After Olga’s passing he was a devoted father focused on raising his young family. In later years, he found happiness with his wife Mary Ellen.They enjoyed traveling together, including trips to visit extended family in Italy, winters in Florida and visiting their children and grandchildren.

Robert found joy in the simple things:tending to his yard, gardening, completing home improvement projects with precision, volunteering with his church and above all spending time visiting with and cooking(especially his famous sauce) for his family. He loved sharing his knowledge and passion for science with his children and grandchildren who have all followed in his footsteps pursuing studies and careers in the sciences.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and spent his career in the metal finishing industry. Over decades working with various manufacturing companies, Robert was instrumental in developing proprietary processes in metal finishing and plating. Basically, if it was shiny, Bob found a way to make it shinier and get it to stick! He held several patents and numerous trade secrets that helped pave the way for innovations still used in manufacturing and metal finishing today.

A respected member of the National Association for Surface Finishing, Robert recently received a lifetime achievement award recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field. Even after his official retirement, his passion for the industry continued. He founded HM Consulting LLC in the 90s and remained professionally active until his passing.

Robert is survived by his children, Tanya Schnelzer and her husband Brian; Scott Zobbi and his wife Joanne; his grandchildren, Stephanie Orth and her husband Jordan, Brian Andrew Schnelzer and John, Matthew and Timothy Zobbi; great-grandson Parker Orth, and; his sister Anita Lucas and her husband Henry. He is also survived by his nieces, Maria Zobbi,Linda Harrell, Mary Jane Hix and his stepson Sean Flaherty and wife Lisa.

He was predeceased by his wives, Olga (Gromosheski) Zobbi and Mary Ellen (Russell)Zobbi; his sister, Clara; and his brother, Caesar.

Robert will be remembered for his sharp mind, industrious spirit, warm heart, and legendary and frequent trips to Costco. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the industry he helped shape, and every project he left just a little better than he found it.

Robert's funeral will begin from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. Southington on Saturday October 18, 2025 with calling hours being held from 9-10:30AM. A funeral Mass will then be celebrated at 11:00 AM at St. Aloysius Church 254 Burritt St. Plantsville. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to either the American Lung Association at www.Lung.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org.

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on his tribute page at the time of service for those unable to attend in person.

To leave a message of remembrance for the family please visit:www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com