Obituary of Robert Joly, Sr.

Robert (Bob) Joly Sr., 82, of Danielson, CT passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 at Pierce Memorial Baptist Home in Brooklyn, CT surrounded by his family.  He was born June 14, 1941 in Putnam CT, son of the late Ernest Sr. and Irene (Bernier) Joly.  On June 17, 1967 he became the beloved husband of Kathleen M. Joly (Averna) to whom he was married for 56 years until his passing.  He was a devoted and loving father to his daughter Michelle and son Robert Jr.

Bob attended Saint James Parochial School and was a graduate of Killingly High School in 1960.  He attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, and served four years in the United States Air Force in Evereux France.  After his return to the states he worked in the family business, Ernest Joly and Sons, from 1966 until his retirement.

Robert loved spending time with family and friends, and especially loved time spent with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tory and Rhoda Averna, with whom he had a very special bond.  In his early years, Bob enjoyed annual hunting trips to Maine, and in 1966 shot the largest black bear on record in the state. He also enjoyed flying his Cherokee airplane which he co-owned with his brother Ernest.  In later years Bob developed a passion for sailing and became an avid fisherman.  He was also a very talented builder and woodworker, and often assisted his children with projects in their homes, or could be found diligently working in his own.

During the winter months, Bob and Kathy spent 15 years traveling to their second home in Estero, Florida where he made many new friends with whom he enjoyed lots of recreational activities and dinner parties.

Bob leaves his wife Kathleen, daughter Michelle and son-in-law Tom, son Rob and daughter-in-law Kristen, six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind his sister, Lucienne, and was pre-deceased by his parents and siblings, Beatrice, Ernest Jr., Gloria, and Elaine.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at https://www.theaftd.org.

A calling hour will be Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Graveside service will be private.  Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com