Robert A. Sanderson, 86, beloved husband of Barbara (Grant) for 64 years of Wethersfield, passed peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, September 17, 2020. Bob is survived by his wife Barbara, his three daughters and their families. Laura and Henry Frakl of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Debbie and Michael DiPrato of Orlando, Florida and Jennifer and Christopher Murray of Newtown, Connecticut. He had six grandchildren Christopher Frakl, Kaitlyn Frakl, Lynne DiPrato, Amanda DiPrato, Leah Navin and Brenna Navin.
Robert was born in Riverdale, New York and was the son of the late Hector and Paula (Engle) Sanderson. Robert’s sister, Gail Sanderson, resides in Seattle. He was predeceased by his sister Francesca Christianson.
Robert graduated from Manhattan College in New York and then went on to a long, successful career. He joined the Nuclear Division of Combustion Engineering Inc. from 1956-1961. Robert then went on to work at International Fuel Cells, which was a division of Pratt & Whitney, in 1961 and was there for 30 years. Bob was at the forefront of clean energy and non-fossil fuel long before it existed today. During his time, he was the inventor of a fuel cell waste heat water removal system which he received a patent for in 1970. Also, he was one of the inventors of several other high efficiency cell efforts and received several more patents. After he retired from International Fuel Cells, he went on to consult for 5 years for Ansaldo Corporation and worked with H Power Corporation, Ginner Electrical System, Mitsubishi, and IGR Enterprises. In 1996, Bob continued his career working three days a week until 80 years of age for Fuel Cells Energy in Danbury, Connecticut until he retired in 2016. Robert loved to work and it took persuading for him to retire. He was a brilliant man. Bob had many other interests he enjoyed. He spent years on Town Council, playing guitar, calligraphy, gardening and most importantly spending time with his family. He spent many years caring for his grandchildren who he adored. Bob wrote a book “The Rolls” which is published and tells stories of the adventures of six teenage boys living in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York, in the summer of 1949, who buy and operate a 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom touring car. The book is sold on Amazon today. Robert was a smart, successful and kind person who lived a full life. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by many.
A mass in honor of Robert and his life will be at a later date due to COVID.
The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel of Wethersfield is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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