Bob Ashworth

Mystic — Surrounded by love, Bob Ashworth, 82, of Mystic — one of the really good guys — died Monday, April 26, 2021, at the Westerly Hospital of a massive stroke. Hailing originally from East Providence, Bob never lost that unique “Rho Disland” accent, and he never forgot his roots.

He graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1961, and pursued a career in aviation, flying everything from seaplanes in the Philippines, to Falcon jets when he was the commanding officer of CG Air Station Mobile.

But he spent the majority of his career as a decorated search-and-rescue helicopter pilot at duty stations in Florida, California, the Great Lakes and Alaska. He spent his retirement years in what he described as his George Plimpton phase with such jobs as flying corporate jets, bartending, designing kitchens, working at Grossman’s Lumber and Home Depot in various capacities and serving on the Groton Inland Wetlands Commission. Among these varied pursuits, he most treasured his time with the Tuesday crew at Habitat for Humanity, working on houses throughout Southeastern Connecticut.

There are many who will miss and fondly remember Bob’s wry sense of humor and his kind and gentle spirit: his wife, Linda Johansen; daughters, Sharon Ashworth (Dietrich Earnhart) and Susan Sandusky (Matt); granddaughter Amanda; in-laws Lisa and Dave Hill and Deb Ashworth; many nieces and nephews and their children; and dear friends Sandie and Dave Scott. Bob was predeceased by his sister Karen and brother Alan.

Even before this crazy COVID time, Bob did not wish to have a funeral or memorial service. Instead, he hoped that those who remembered him would go outside to play with family and friends, and he asked that you do something good for kids.