Robert Donald Marquis

Robert Donald Marquis was  reunited with his beloved wife, Violet, on July 20, 2018.  They both died of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, exactly nine months apart.Bob was born on September 2, 1934 in Putnam to Arthur and Irene (Chandler) Marquis, the seventh of eleven children. Bob grew up in Canterbury.  He left school when he turned 16 and went to work so that he could help support his family. Bob met the love of his life, Violet May Fitts, at a church youth group, and they were married on October 22, 1955, when she was  17 and he was 21 years old. They shared 62 happy years of marriage until Violet's death on November 20, 2017.

    Bob worked at Yantic Grain (Big Y) in Abington and Putnam for several years, becoming a Store Manager.   Bob entered the U.S. Army in 1957. In 1957 he served with the 69th Armored Division, 1st Medium Tank Battalion.  In 1958/59 he was part of the 8th Infantry Division, 5th Infantry in Gonsenheim, Germany. During this tour of service, Bob received his High School G.E.D.   He also received several awards for gunnery expertise and sharp shooting. Bob was recalled in 1961, during the Vietnam War. He served with the 20th Armored Division, 2nd Medium Tank Battalion.  While at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Bob was seriously injured in a Tank accident, spending four months in an army hospital suffering from multiple injuries including fractures in four different parts of his spine.  He left the Army with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class, E-5. Bob worked for 25 years for the Pratt & Whitney Fire Department, retiring in 1990 as a Captain.  He was also an Instructor at the Fire Training Academy in Windsor Locks.While working full-time and raising a family, Bob earned an Associate Degree in Fire Technology and Administration from Hartford State Technical College in 1978, followed by a Bachelor Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1982.  He taught Fire Service related courses at both HSTC and Three Rivers Community College.

    Bob was a member of the Hampton Fire Company for over 60 years and the Hampton/Chaplin Ambulance for over 30 years.  He became a certified EMT at the age of 70 years old. He retired as an EMT last year at the age of 82, but continued to respond to calls.  He was awarded a Life Membership in the HCAC. He was also a member of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the Connecticut Fire Instructors Association, the Windham County Fire Marshall Association, and was the Fire Marshall for the Town of Hampton for several years. After his retirement, Bob and Violet ran The Fire Place, a business which sold antique fire equipment and memorabilia, and amassed  an extensive collection of their own. Bob and Violet were well known for their car license plate, VIBOB. Bob and Violet went to breakfast and lunch every day at Pine Acres Restaurant in Chaplin where they had many special friends, including dear friend,  Casey Mangiafico. Among many other things, Bob collected quarters and shiny pennies, and was a fan of UCONN basketball and The Incredible Dr. Pol, Veterinarian.

     Bob will be grieved and greatly missed by his devoted daughters, Trudy (Ben) Brockett and Joan (Jerry Figueroa) Marquis; his adored grandchildren Nicholas (Jessica) Brockett, Mike (Derek Iverson) Brockett, and  Marina Figueroa; and his beloved great-grandchildren Kenzie and Jayce Brockett who were a constant source of joy. He also leaves his brother, Henry Marquis, his sister-in-law, Barbara (Ian) Cairns, and his cherished cat, Cutie Pie. In addition to his beloved wife, he is predeceased by sisters Ada Colburn, Julia Bawza, May Hetu, Ruth Sabo, Helen Spink, Dora Marquis, and brothers, Tony, Arthur (Sonny), and Lawrence.  He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

    In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hampton-Chaplin  Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 98, Hampton, CT 06247. Calling hours will be held Monday, July 30 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Potter's Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic.  A commemoration of Bob's life will be held on Tuesday, July 31, at 10:00 am at the Hampton Congregational Church, 263 Main Street, Hampton.  Burial will follow at the Howard Valley Cemetery, South Bigelow Road, Hampton. 

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