Robert "Bob" Anthony DeSanto

Bob joined the US Air Force in 1953, spending 14 months as an airborne radio operator on a B-29 flying weather reconnaissance in the Pacific, tracking typhoons. After leaving the service he attended school under the G.I.Bill, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering.

He worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation for 35 years, becoming the first engineer in New England to develop system control of remote traffic signals using computer technology. He amassed control over 800 traffic signals and 50 coordinated systems and served on numerous national panels, renowned in his field. In 1988 he also served as President of the New England Institute of Transportation Engineers retiring from the State of Connecticut in 1992. He later served as a consultant for several engineering firms before opening his own, RDS Associates and retired in 2005. He lived in Rocky Hill, Connecticut from 1963 to 2008 after which he settled in Weeki Wachee, Florida.

Beyond his distinguished career, Bob was truly a one of a kind personality. A Self Described"Freak of Nature" with a lively sense of humor. He was a natural storyteller who loved sharing memories about his life. He was a classic "wise guy"who never sweated the small stuff his 'go to' saying was always "Don't Worry About It!". Generous to everyone he met, Bob was a person anyone could go to for practical straight to the point advice.

Above all, Bob cared deeply for his family and loved his wife Antoinette "Toni", most of all, with whom he traveled extensively throughout their lives together. An avid golfer, Bob also enjoyed spending time with his family, golf and card playing friends, horse racing, painting, and completing jigsaw puzzles. He attributed his long, happy life to his beloved wife and soulmate.

He survived by his wife, Antoinette "Toni" of 63 years; their three daughters, Anne Marie (John) Vitale of CT, Teresa Donahue of RI, and Roseann (Michael) Berluti of FL; their 10 grandchildren, Alexandra, Erica, Kristen, Samantha, Rachel, Ryan, Emily, Olivia, Adam, Faith, Benjamin; 10 great-grandchildren, Layla, Sofia, Gabriella, Isabella, Evelyn, Matthew, John, Luke, Mark, and Vincenzo; his sister, Jean (Rudi) Wittke; his sister-in-law, Joanne (William) Biskupiak; and many nieces and great-nieces and nephews.