This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Robert Lee Woods, affectionately known as Bob, died peacefully on Nov. 10. Bob was born in Bristol on June 24, 1928. He spent his childhood years in Plainville and along with his brother Larry, was raised by his parents Walter and Beatrice Woods. After high school he enlisted in the US Army’s ROTC program, attaining the rank of second lieutenant. He fought in the Korean War as a forward observer for artillery and air support and was awarded the Silver Star for heroism, and also the Bronze Star with “V” for valor in combat. He was a true American hero and loved his country and loved the American flag.

Bob met the love of his life one summer at Grove Beach Point in Westbrook. The romance that started when they were teenagers lasted more than seventy years! Bob married Polly while he was on leave from active duty in the Army. After his discharge they settled in Plainville, where they raised their four children together.

Boating was a big part of Bob’s life ever since he was a young man. He got involved in the US Power Squadron, which is a national organization that teaches safe boating and boating education. He first became a local squadron commander, then a district commander, and in 1976 became the youngest national chief commander in their history.

He is survived by his daughter Dianne Bronkie of East Berlin, his son Gary Woods and his wife Shelley of Deep River, his daughter Laura Woods of Westbrook, and his daughter Gail Sartori of Burlington. Bob’s grandchildren whom he loved deeply are Jennifer Mongillo and her husband Jeff, Myshel Enman and her husband Garrett, Jaime Petillo and her husband Jeff, Jessica Sartori, and Nick Sartori and his wife Jacilyn. The great-grandchildren who will be missing him are Addison, Rocco, Ryan, Anna, Joseph, Dominic, and Calina. And of course his two golden retrievers Kate and Copper, who were always by his side.

Bob was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 70 years, Polly; his parents Walter and Beatrice Woods; and his brother Lawrence.

A very special thanks to his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Till and Gene Neri for all the help and support during Bob’s difficult times. Also to all the staff at The Shoreline of Clinton for the loving and compassionate care that they bestowed on Bob.

There was a ceremony and burial at the State of Connecticut Veteran’s Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, on Nov. 18.