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Robert John Mentzinger, 76, of Guilford passed away on Aug. 17 after a long battle with cancer. Bob was born June 3, 1944, in Queens, New York.

He graduated valedictorian from Villanova University in 1966 and received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After many years as a construction and civil engineer, he founded Construction Specialties Group, a distributor of tile and flooring products in the Northeast. Beyond the joy of being out on the open road, he loved his job for the people he worked with along the way, and the relationships he built with his customers. Bob was warm-hearted, hard-working, and trustworthy, the perfect combination for a successful business owner.

If asked, his greatest accomplishments would be raising his four children into fine and loving adults. He is survived by his children Robin Andrulevich of Seattle, Washington, Robert Jr. of Portland, Maine, Susan of Arlington, Massachusetts, and Sean of St. Petersburg, Florida; and grandchildren Samuel Douglas, Avery Mentzinger, and Sebastian Mentzinger. “Knowing and loving each one of you has been the success story of my life,” he says from above.

Bob was a devoted and loving husband. He was survived by the love of his life, Ann Mentzinger, his wife of 40 years. Bob and his family spent most of their years in Madison, where he played an active role in his children’s lives. From track and ballet to baseball, he made sure he would never miss a competition.

Bob was an avid lover of Boston sports teams, but especially the Red Sox and Patriots. He was at his happiest watching a World Series or Superbowl game, with a dog at his side. During his retirement, Bob and Ann spent their winters in Naples Florida. Bob loved relaxing in the sun, adventurous fishing trips, and sipping on a Myers’s Rum and tonic. His fondest memories were of vacations to the Caribbean, where he fell in love with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Bob will always be remembered as a great story-teller, for his dry sense of humor, and his many infamous catch phrases. During his long fight with cancer he always had a lighthearted, positive outlook and maintained his sense of humor.

Bob and Ann were active donors to Wounded Warrior Project, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name. The family would like to thank the talented and caring doctors and nurses of the Yale-New Haven Hospital, all of whom worked hard to care for Bob and prolong his life. Arrangements in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.