Coco, Robert R.

Robert (Bob) R. Coco, “Coke,” 85, of Simsbury, died peacefully on February 25, 2023, with his loving family by his side. He was predeceased, a short 51 days before, by his beloved wife Elaine Marie (Saulnier) Coco.

Bob was born August 26, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Vincent John and Blanche (Stetzer) Coco, and resided in Simsbury for over 50 years.

Bob served in the United States Navy before he started his very successful business career in the plumbing industry. In 1971 he moved his family from Missouri to CT to work at Davenport Associates, Wallingford, CT, eventually becoming co-owner and operator of the business, with partner Jimmy Davenport, until his retirement in 2002. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who enjoyed helping others. Bob was a devout catholic and member of St Mary’s church. He was a coach, referee, and Commissioner for the Simsbury Soccer League. He was Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 176. He was actively involved in his children’s lives. Bob loved to play tennis with his wife and was an avid golfer. He volunteered at the PGA’S Travelers Championship for over a decade. He gave a lot of his time to the Red Cross. He was proud to donate blood as often as he could. He volunteered at blood drives and assisted in relief efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Bob enjoyed many years at Highland Lake, Winsted, CT, spending time with family and friends boating, kayaking, waterskiing, tubing, cycling, and having the time of his life. His energy was endless.

He is survived by his children, Denise Coco Torla and husband Christopher of West Hartford, CT; Michael J. Coco and partner Patrice Makoski of Farmington, CT and Susan A. Coco of Southington, CT; his sister-inlaw, Ann Fauci and husband Larry of Cornelius, NC; his brother-in-law, Ronald Saulnier of Bayville, NY; his grandchildren, Joseph Hayes, Zachary Coco, Jacob Hayes, Meghan Torla, Lauren Torla and Kathryn Torla and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and David Shellard.

Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Thursday, March 2nd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Friday, March 3rd at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury. The burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support cancer research and treatment through his granddaughter’s Pan-mass Challenge ride, in Bob’s memory, at https://runsignup. com/kathryntorla-panmasschallenge. Please visit Bob’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.