Robert E. Decelles, Sr.

Robert E. Decelles, Sr., 68, of Goshen, CT, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital after a long illness with lung issues.  He was the husband of Mary Ellen (Mazini Crocco) Decelles, his soulmate and the love of his life.  They were married for 28 years.

Bob was born December 25, 1950, in Manchester, CT, son of the late Gerald and Gilberta (Palshaw) Decelles.  He was formerly employed by Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat, and he was a self-employed carpenter by trade.  He enjoyed cooking, especially BBQ, and making French meat pies at Christmas.  Bob has a special love for Vermont, and his extended family there.  He loved to hunt and fish, and photography.  A Harley Davidson rider all of his life until he became ill, his newest toy was a BMW Roadster.  He collected elephant figures and Santa Claus’.  Bob loved to play the guitar and had a beautiful soothing voice.  He taught the bible in a ministry as a born again Christian, and was certain that his three special babies Raquel, Whitney and Halle, were waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge to welcome him into heaven.

Family was very important to Bob, and so were the holidays when everyone would gather.  Bob was strong willed and could be quite stubborn at times, but he was loved by his family even during those times.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his step children who he considered his own children, William (Billy) Crocco and his wife Sue of Southbury, CT; Michelle Ogle and her husband Matt of Larchmont, NY; a son from a previous marriage, Robert E. Decelles, Jr. of Florida and his daughter, Cheyenne; two brothers, Gerald and Arthur Decelles, both of Connecticut; two step- sisters, Pauline Durand and Claire Plante both of Rhode Island; his grandchildren who were the light of his life, Luca, Juliana, Anthony, Vera and Leo – Pepe will always love you.  He is also survived by his favorite father-in-law, Mickey Mazini.  His nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart, and he is survived by several of them.

Bob’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers from the VNA, as well as a heartfelt thank you to all those at Gaylord Hospital and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.  A very special thank you is extended to Dr. Krinsky, Dr. Koola, as well as the nurses and PCT’s who were with him during his last days.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, with the cortege leaving at 9:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish) 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.  Entombment will follow at St. Peter Mausoleum.  Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)   Condolences may be sent to Bob’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com