Obituary of Robert A. Dortenzio

Robert A. Dortenzio, Sr., currently of Stratford, CT and formerly of Bridgeport, CT, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, November 27, 2017, following a brief illness. Robert was predeceased by his wife, Mary Goncar Dortenzio, and his parents, Anthony Dortenzio and Camilla Abriola Dortenzio. Bob, as he was known to his friends, was born in Bridgeport on September 12, 1928. He attended Read School and graduated from Central High School in 1947. He went on to attend the Booth and Bayliss Business School, and the University of Bridgeport after service in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. While in the Army, he was assigned to the Anti-Aircraft Command of the United States in Colorado Springs, CO in the Plans and Training Section (G-3) under the immediate supervision of Colonel Adam Buynoski, an officer that assisted in the development of the NIKE Missile System. Robert prepared for this duty by attending the Adjutant General School, where he was trained as a Personnel Administrative Specialist.

The majority of Bob's career was spent at the Bridgeport Post Telegram (now known as The Connecticut Post), where he held several positions over his 40-year career, eventually retiring from the position of Advertising Manager. Never one to sit idly by, he went on to work at The Bridgeport Light. He served as a Planner and Aide to the Mayor of the City of Bridgeport, and was elected to the post of Republican Registrar of Voters. Following his move to Stratford, Bob took a job in marketing for United Healthcare and was part of a team that visited Senior Centers throughout Connecticut to recruit new members.

Robert had a strong sense of Civic Duty and Responsibility and served in the following capacities: Founder and first President of the Sylvan Crest Association for area improvement; Charter Member of the North Bridgeport Lions Club in various functions, including Treasurer and President for several different terms; Vice President of the Hallen School Parent-Faculty Association; Chairman of the North End Parents Association; Assistant Coach for several teams of the North End Little League; Fundraiser and member of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bridgeport; President of the East Bridgeport Republican Club; and Vice Chairman of the Republican Town Committee. He also ran as the Republican Candidate for Alderman in the 136th Aldermanic District and for State Representative of the 131st Assembly District. Overall, he served the Republican Party at both the municipal and State level in Connecticut for over 50 years. He was also a past member of the Masonic Corinthian Lodge No. 104. During his retirement, he was a member of the MALES Club in Stratford and served as its President.

In addition to his wife and parents, Robert was predeceased by his mother and father in-law, John and Marie Goncar; his brothers' in-law: William Goncar, John Goncar and Louis Duh and his sister in-law, Charlotte Goncar.

He is survived by his loving children: Robert, Jr and his wife Mary; Christopher and his wife Doreen; Lynn Halper and her husband William Keating; Thomas and his wife Patricia. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Marc Halper and his wife Liza, Melissa, Christopher, Jr., Alexander, Matthew, Molly Halper, Victoria, Mia, and Grace. He is also survived by his sisters' in-law, Frances Duh and Mary Goncar, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Robert never lost his feistiness, his sense of humor, his candor, or his ability to generate a good conversation about almost anything. He was a good father and a wonderful Grandfather. He and Mary never missed the opportunity to attend his children or grandchildren's activities.

His family would like to thank the people that took care of him later in life, including Gezimje, and especially Maria Smith, who took care of both Robert and Mary for many years and made Robert part of her family.

Visiting hours will be on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 10:00 am with attendees meeting directly at St. Mark's Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

His work for the North Bridgeport Lion's Club included fund raising on behalf of the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, as such, his family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Connecticut Burn Center. Checks may be made out and mailed to Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610, or online: foundation.bridgeporthospital.org and click on the tab for Connecticut Burn Center.