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Robert E. Claffey

On the morning of Oct. 19, Robert E. “Butch” Claffey passed away peacefully at his home in Ivoryton. He was surrounded by his family and his dog Coco. Butch, as he is known to family and friends, was born Sept. 11, 1950, in Hartford. He was predeceased by his parents Rose Hudson Claffey and Robert W. Claffey. He leaves behind his life partner Jo-Anne Connor; his sister Eileen Leopoldino (Felix) of Old Saybrook; his nephew and business partner Mark Leopolidino (Kristin) of Old Saybrook; his niece Denise Leopoldino of Burlington, Vermont; three stepchildren; five step-grandchildren; and several great-nieces; and a nephew. Butch also leaves behind his extended Bill’s Seafood family, whom he loved dearly, and all his loyal patrons, who over the years have become his second family.

Butch was born and raised in Hartford, where he graduated from Hartford High School in 1969. After graduation, he joined the US Army Reserves and served as a medic in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to purchasing Bill’s Seafood in the early 80s, he worked as a liquor salesman for CDI.

Butch was a humble man who never forgot where he came from. He was always willing to give to numerous charitable organizations throughout the community. If you were lucky enough to know Butch, you knew a truly good man; he was absolutely one of the best — a self-made man with a heart of gold who touched and helped the lives of so many people.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital at givetoynhh.org or CDKL5 research for Team Avery at Community Foundation of Middlesex County

A funeral Mass was held on Oct. 25 at Saint Mark the Evangelist Church, 222 McVeagh Road in Westbrook. To share a memory of Butch or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.