Robert H. Mustard died February 17, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at St. Joseph's Living Center in Willimantic where he lived for seven years. He was born in Willimantic, the son of James P. and Ida (Potter) Mustard on March 29, 1916. He graduated from Natchaug School, attended Windham High, where he lettered in three sports, and graduated from Williston Academy and Clark Junior Business College in New Hampshire. At the beginning of World War II, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Company F 592d Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment for three and one half years in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea, the Philippines, Luzon, and Japan. After the war, he was associated with his father in the J.P. Mustard Insurance Agency, and later, after his father's death, he worked in the State Insurance Commissioner's Office in Hartford. For 18 years he worked at the Willimantic Housing Authority, retiring in 1980. Bob was well known in the community as an active civic leader for many years. Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, William Niles Potter, he served the city of Willimantic as Second Ward Alderman and then Alderman- at- Large from 1947-1961, and president of the Common Council from 1951-1961. He was a past president of the Willimantic Lions Club and was honored in 2007 for sixty years of service to the club. He proudly wore that bright yellow Lions shirt as he volunteered at many a pancake breakfast, outings for children, or manning a booth. He was a past president of the YMCA, which he attended almost daily throughout his life until it closed. He was a corporator of the Windham Community Memorial Hospital and a deacon of the First Congregational Church in Willimantic. Bob was thrilled to have been named Romantic Willimantic's Cupid in 1996. Bob's father was one of the founders of the Willimantic Country Club, served as its president, and fostered a lifelong passion for golf in both his sons. Anyone who has visited the club has seen the Mustard name, either Bill or Bob, as winner or runner up in many club championships. Bob remained athletically active throughout his life as a participant or spectator in basketball, football, golf, tennis, paddleball, running, and walking. Among his greatest enjoyments were basking in the sauna at the YMCA, and dancing. He was the quintessential father, a true gentleman, and kind person. He was proud of his family and loved the family canine and feline pets. A first-time grandfather at age 79, he delighted in being with his grandchildren. He is survived and deeply loved by his two children: son and daughter in-law, Craig and Pamela Mustard of Millis, Ma; daughter Darcy Compton of Mansfield; and his former wife and devoted friend, Shirley Mustard of Willimantic. He was cherished by his grandchildren, Claire Compton, Evan Mustard and Bryson Mustard. In addition, he leaves his nephew, William Niles Mustard of Manchester, niece, Martha Mustard of Golden, Co. His brother, William N. Mustard, predeceased him. The family extends its eternal gratitude to the warm, compassionate staff at St. Joseph's Living Center for the respect and love given him during the seven years they were part of his family. His family will receive relatives and friends on Monday Feb. 22nd between 6:00 and 8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday at 11:00am at First Congregational Church, 199 Valley St. Willimantic with interment following in Old Willimantic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Willimantic Lions Club or St. Joseph's Living Center, Country Club Road, Willimantic. For online memorial guestbook, please visit
www.potterfuneralhome.com
.