Robert R. “Bob” Lillis Sr.

July 12, 1938 - October 5, 2022

Robert R. “Bob” Lillis Sr, 84, Retired Lieutenant of the NHPD of Milford, formerly of West Haven devoted husband of 58 years to Marie Grignano Lillis, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2022 with his loving family by his side in Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus. Bob was the proud father of four children who loved him very dearly, Maureen Lillis of Orange, Robert R. Lillis of Milford, Marie ( Joseph) Pelaccia of Orange and Patrick J. Lillis (Michael Macina) of Boston, MA. Bob also leaves behind his most precious granddaughter, Bridget Lillis, whom he loved and adored. Loving uncle of Doreen Lillis Bateson and Kevin Lillis as well as many family members and friends. Bob was born in New Haven on July 12, 1938, son of the late John and Mary DiStasio Lillis. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Deacon John Lillis. He retired as a lieutenant in the Investigative Services Unit for the New Haven Police Department after 37½ years of service. Bob’s love for the police department and New Haven community were evident every day that he went to work. His career in police services was his passion. His first assignment as a sergeant was to supervise the Traffic Division. He spent many years in Crime Prevention and spearheaded the development of the first mobile crime lab in the City of New Haven. In addition to the Investigative Services Unit, one of his proudest accomplishments was working alongside the renowned forensic science scholar, Dr. Henry Lee. Bob was very proud to serve his country in the United States Navy where he was able to visit places like Cuba and Spain. No one left his company without hearing at least one Navy story. He loved to travel with his family and spent many family vacations at Walt Disney World in Florida. Later in years when their children were older, Bob and Marie traveled to their favorite destinations, including Ireland and Italy to visit their grandparents’ ancestral homes, and spent quite a bit of time enjoying Hawaii and Aruba. To say Bob loved his wife’s cooking was an understatement, particularly her meatballs and Sunday sauce. He enjoyed spending time with Marie who was the love of his life and his major support throughout their entire marriage and his career. Most recently when he became ill, she provided unwavering around the clock care for him until the very end. A diehard Red Sox fan, Bob never missed a televised game and enjoyed trips to Fenway Park with his family.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven, TUESDAY morning at 10:15. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Precious Blood Parish at St. Mary’s Church located at 70 Gulf Street, Milford. Interment with military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call MONDAY from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sign Bob’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes. net