NAUGATUCK – Robert H. Sagendorf Sr., 109 Spruce Drive, Naugatuck, quietly passed away March 10, 2011 at Waterbury Hospital. He was the widower of Shirley Lee (Benson) Sagendorf.
“Big Bob” was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who served his county in the United States Army from 1953-1955, being deployed in Korea where he was a Headquarters radio operator. He was the recipient of the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal. His career spanned 42 years with the A&P, mostly spent as the popular produce manager at the West Main Street Waterbury store and also the Naugatuck store.
Bob was a committee member and Scoutmaster for many years of Troop 138 and a leader of Cub Pack 107. He served his church, St. Michael’s Episcopal, in a variety of ways, Lector and Liturgical Assistant, Choir member, co-leader of The Young People’s Fellowship group, Village Green Fair committee member and Sexton. He was an early member of Naugatuck Youth Services, a past officer of The City Wide Bowling League, and was a past Master of Ceremonies for the Naugatuck Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies.
A talented artist, Bob’s paintings were last displayed in exhibition in 2004 at the Lone Tree Gallery along with the works of his sons Bob Jr. and Al. He loved being in Maine fishing and cross country skiing, enjoyed listening to sports on the radio, especially to his beloved New York Yankees. During the summer Bob enjoyed going to watch the races at Lime Rock and his brother Bill and loved to be in the stands for marching band and Drum and Bugle Corps competitions.
He was predeceased by his “swell gal” Shirley, his wife of 52 years. He is survived by four children, Robert H. Jr. and his wife Janet of Naugatuck, Alfred E. and his wife Terry of Naugatuck, Jessica L. Branco and her husband Joao of Naugatuck, Victor J. and his wife Sharon of Woodbury. Bob also leaves his grandchildren, Aaron, Rebecca, Jacqueline, Damon, Jacob, Kurt and Peyton, his brother William of Naugatuck along with several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 210 Church St, Naugatuck. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be in Grove Cemetery at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours and the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contribution may be made in Bob’s name to the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank, 75 Spring St, Naugatuck CT 06770.