Robert Larder

Waterford — Robert “Brutus” H. Larder, 65, of Waterford, husband of Cheryl (Robinson) Larder and proud father of Amanda and Joey Larder, passed peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, after a brief but powerful illness.

Sadly missed by his little companion, Diva, Bob was born in Penn Yan, N.Y., son of William (late) and Virginia Larder. He is also survived by his brother, Frank (Meg) Larder; sisters, Phyllis Larder (David Phillips) and Mary Ann (Rob) Martin; nephew, Brian Larder; and nieces, Corey Hawley and Samantha Martin.

Bob was exceptionally proud of his 21.7 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, having served on the Hamilton, the Dependable and the Bibb and serving 12 years locally at the Coast Guard Academy, New London and Avery Point, Groton. Bob was sure to remind people of the Coast Guard’s birthday each Aug. 4. After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1992, Bob worked 11 years as a letter carrier for the Waterford Post Office. He was a life member of the Retired Armed Forces Association, having been their permittee for many years and later an executive board and house committee member.

Bob’s family extends their sincere thanks to Dr. Patrick Doherty, who has been much more than his physician during this trying time, the Lawrence + Memorial medical staff, as well as Dr. Emily Gilmore and the medical staff of Yale-New Haven Hospital neurological intensive care unit for their care these last several weeks. Bob’s family suspects he is now sharing a beer and shooting the breeze with all the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills that have passed before him.

Bob’s family would like his early passing to allow their friends to pay it forward. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fitch Falcon Music Boosters Inc. (London Trip).

Calling hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.

Condolences may be shared on Robert’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.