Robert C. MacLellan

TORRINGTON -- Robert C. MacLellan, age 88, of Torrington and formerly of Southbury and Woodbury, passed away peacefully on February 18 surrounded by the comfort of his family.  He was the loving husband of Jane MacLellan, father of four, grandfather of six, and great grandfather of five.  

Bob lived an amazing life and left a lasting legacy.  Born in Boston, Bob served his country in the Army and graduated from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn as an engineer.  Bob was an ingenious engineer who could build anything.  He founded Southbury Industries, Inc., where he designed everything from jet engines to popcorn makers.  He also built a beautiful log cabin in Southbury where he lived with his wife for over 25 years.  

Proud of his Scottish heritage, Bob found the time to play (and build) bagpipes, and he enjoyed a good scotch.  He also spent many enjoyable summers in Bass River, Nova Scotia with his wife.  Whether at work or with his family, he was jovial, kind, and generous.  As the Waterbury Republican described him in 1980, he was an "overgrown kid with a heart of laughter."

Bob was a 50-year member of the Masons, as well as a Sphinx Shriner and a Jester, where he was deeply committed to the Shriners' mission of treating children's medical needs regardless of their families' ability to pay.  He was a member of King Solomon's Lodge No. 7 in Woodbury, as well as Corinthian Lodge No. 63 in Nova Scotia.  Bob was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the National Rifle Association.

Bob had five siblings who predeceased him: Edson (Jim) MacLellan, Sheila Kannery, George MacLellan, Marty (MacLellan) Heath, and Toddy MacLellan.  Bob's family is also grateful for the compassionate hospice care provided to Bob in his final days by Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) of Torrington.

A celebration of Bob's extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, February 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. with a Masonic service and then a funeral service at 3:00. at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St., Woodbury.  To honor Bob's memory, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/en/donate.  And, as the MacLellans say, "Think on!"

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