Robert J. Raleigh

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert J. Raleigh on February 4, 2015.  He was born July 15, 1942, son of the late William and Esther Raleigh.

He will be missed by his wife Barbara Gioia Ferrarotti, his son Kendall and wife Sally of Colorado, his daughter Cheryl and husband Tom Lemire of Massachusetts, their mother Joyce Gustavson, and his stepdaughter, Carla Ferrarotti.

Bob graduated from Northeastern University and was Plant Engineer at the Torrington Company for 25 years before forming his own consulting company, Raleigh Engineering.

He was Past Exalted Ruler of the Elk’s Lodge #372, Elk of the Year, Commissioner for the Torrington Housing Authority, and served on the building committees for The Torrington Library and Brooker Memorial.  He liked photography, fishing, mountain climbing, reading, organic gardening and making wine.  He liked convincing others on the benefits of juicing, wheatgrass, and CoQ10.  Growing up in Rhode Island, he had a love for the ocean and the beach, and, later in life, looked forward to spending summers at Cape Cod.

Additional survivors include his brother Richard and wife Donna, his brother Donald, all of Warwick, RI; grandchildren Kayla, Jack, and Maggie Raleigh, Olivia and Carina Lemire, sister-in-law Jane Macaione of West Hartford, as well as several nieces, nephews, and countless friends.   In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, William Raleigh, and a niece Valerie Martinelli.

Bob was an inspiration to all as he battled pancreatic cancer with strength, dignity, indomitable courage and optimism.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Torrington Library or to LARC.  Condolences may be sent to Bob’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com