Robert E. Tatem
– February 5, 2021
Robert E. (Bob) Tatem of Sun City Center, Fla., formerly of Fairfield, Conn., died on Feb. 5, 2021, at the age of 85. Bob was a graduate of Brown University and worked as a teacher before joining UPS where he worked for 25 years before retiring.
Bob was a devoted family man who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He could often be found in his workshop making anything from trinkets to toys to furniture. Bob enjoyed the outdoors and spent many family vacations camping and fishing or at the family home in Vermont. He showed infinite patience as he taught his children and grandchildren to fish alongside him, advising them, from personal experience, to avoid a fishhook in the nose. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and traveling with family and friends.
Bob was active in his local community, serving on the neighborhood security patrol and as an usher for the Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He also served as a naval officer, was a member of the Military Officers Association of America and a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob's gentle and easy-going nature made others feel at ease. His corny jokes and love of trivia brought both smiles and eye rolls. Bob was well-loved by many and he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine P. Tatem (Miklus) of Sun City Center, Fla.; his brother William and his wife Sandra of Albany, N.Y.; his children: Robert K. Tatem and his wife Susan of Charlottesville, Va., Christine Tatem and Paul of Tolland, Conn., David Tatem and his wife Stacey of Newington, Conn., and Jeffrey Tatem and his wife Erika of East Hartford, Conn.; his grandchildren: Dustin and wife Anna, Kyle, Katelyn, Tyler, Jake and Liam; his great-grandchildren, Robert (Bear) and Evelyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be private. Donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 7282, PO Box 5373, Sun City Center, FL 33571. To leave an online condolence, visit www.newbritainsagarino.com.
Bob was a devoted family man who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He could often be found in his workshop making anything from trinkets to toys to furniture. Bob enjoyed the outdoors and spent many family vacations camping and fishing or at the family home in Vermont. He showed infinite patience as he taught his children and grandchildren to fish alongside him, advising them, from personal experience, to avoid a fishhook in the nose. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and traveling with family and friends.
Bob was active in his local community, serving on the neighborhood security patrol and as an usher for the Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He also served as a naval officer, was a member of the Military Officers Association of America and a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob's gentle and easy-going nature made others feel at ease. His corny jokes and love of trivia brought both smiles and eye rolls. Bob was well-loved by many and he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine P. Tatem (Miklus) of Sun City Center, Fla.; his brother William and his wife Sandra of Albany, N.Y.; his children: Robert K. Tatem and his wife Susan of Charlottesville, Va., Christine Tatem and Paul of Tolland, Conn., David Tatem and his wife Stacey of Newington, Conn., and Jeffrey Tatem and his wife Erika of East Hartford, Conn.; his grandchildren: Dustin and wife Anna, Kyle, Katelyn, Tyler, Jake and Liam; his great-grandchildren, Robert (Bear) and Evelyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be private. Donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 7282, PO Box 5373, Sun City Center, FL 33571. To leave an online condolence, visit www.newbritainsagarino.com.