Robert Ellsworth King Jr

Robert Ellsworth King, Jr., 84, of Willington, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, surrounded by family. Robert was born February 10, 1921, in Stonington, CT, and was a Connecticut resident his entire life. He attended Stonington public schools, then served his country during World War II as a B-24 Pilot Instructor. In June of 1946, he married Thelma, the love of his life. He put himself through college while working two jobs and helping raise an ever-growing family. Robert was graduated from URI in 1951 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and began a career, which culminated in a 25-year tenure at Pratt and Whitney. He retired in 1981 as Chief of Manufacturing, Research and Development, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Group. Robert was a lifelong shooting enthusiast, competing in many matches statewide and around New England. He won countless championships, including the Ridgeway, PA Cast Bullet World Championship. Robert was a seasoned hunter and conservationist, maintaining his property in Willington as wood lot and wetlands despite spreading development. He served as Cubmaster and a Little League coach while his children grew, and was a proud VFW member. He was a founding member of the parish of St. Jude Church in Willington, and active as Trustee and on the Parish Council for many years. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Thelma Louise (Conrad) King; by his children, Robert E. King III and Diane Chin of New Hampshire; Cathy King of Maine; Patricia King Eaves and Walter Mayo of New Hampshire; Charles and Bernice King of Ashford; John and Brenda King of Ashford; Paul Belanger of Ashford; Thomas and Shazy King of Maryland; Hazel King and Dan Robertson of California; and Nancy King and Tom Kelly of Willington; twenty grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Harriet (King) Marco and husband Nicholas Marco of Willington. He was predeceased by his brother, David King of Stonington, and two daughters, Martha King of Lebanon and Mary (King) Belanger of Ashford. Visiting hours will be held at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic, on Sunday, January 15, from 6-8 pm. His funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Jude Church, Old Farms Rd. Willington, on Monday, January 16, at 10 am. with assembly at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Willington Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield Center, CT 06250; or Oncology Dept., c/o Windham Community Memorial Hospital, 112 Mansfield Ave., Willimantic, CT 06226. Please visit www.potterfh.com for directions and online memorial guestbook.