Robert Frank Berlinger, affectionately known as Robert, Bobby, Bob, Dad or Grandpa, entered into eternal rest at the age of 66. He died peacefully with his wife of almost 45 years, Ann Marie Bruno Berlinger, by his side at Griffin Hospital in Derby on October 2, 2015, after a 5 month battle with multiple myeloma.
Bob was born on October 12, 1948 in Derby, eldest of four children to Jacqueline Downer Berlinger and the late Frank Berlinger. Bob loved spending time with his large extended family on vacations to Florida, weekend picnics and holiday cookouts. Besides his family, he was passionate about trains and sports. Bob was an avid train collector and watcher and amassed quite a collection in his lifetime. He was known to travel far and wide to various train centered attractions. Bob was a lifelong resident of Ansonia and an avid supporter of Ansonia and Valley sports. He loved Ansonia High School football and was a Valley fixture of men’s slow pitch softball as a team owner or umpire. He also was well known as the color commentator on the former WADS radio in the 80’s and 90’s. He was present at every practice and game for every sport his two sons participated in either as a coach or spectator. Bob was proud to pass his love of trains to James and his love of coaching and sports to Robert. Bob was a lifelong communicant of Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia where he was a fixture in the back rows behind the organ. Bob had the privilege of working two separate careers in his lifetime. He was a 25 year veteran of the former SNET phone company and following his retirement in 1997, started his second career as a school bus driver to hundreds of Valley youth.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by sons, Robert Joseph Berlinger (Megan) of Winston-Salem, NC and James Frank Berlinger (Sheila) of Rockledge, FL, doting grandfather to Julia Grace and Gabriella Marie. He was excited about the upcoming birth of his first grandson in November. He is also survived by sisters, Linda Thornberg of Prospect and Diane Hunsaker (Gary) of Davie, FL, brother, David Berlinger of San Diego, CA and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by a brother in law, Nils Thornberg.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday October 6, 2015, from 5 – 7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 7:00 pm, a funeral service in celebration of Bob’s life will take place with Deacon Richard Renker officiating. Interment will be private.
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
