Robert Charles Desmarais, Sr., proud father, dedicated volunteer, big brother, devout Red Sox fan, a proud supporter of the UCONN women, self-proclaimed chef, artist, and forever in love with his wife Charlotte, died peacefully on February 24, 2022, surrounded by family. Mr. Desmarais was born in Waterbury on February 5, 1940, to Lillian (Seeley) and John Ernest Desmarais. His family moved from Waterbury to Middlebury during his teenage years introducing him to his first love, the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. Joining as a junior firefighter, Bob moved through the ranks serving in a variety of leadership roles. He took great pride when training fellow members of the department or leading the department to a Best Overall recognition at the annual State Firefighter's Convention. Bob's volunteerism was not limited to the MVFD. He coached little league teams, served as President of the Middlebury Little League, served on the town Beautification, Greenway, Bicentennial, Elderly Tax Relief, and Equity Analysis Committees. He was a trustee for the Middlebury Public Library.  He served as a Middlebury Selectman from 2007 to 2011.  He worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Mr. Desmarais was a communicant of St. John of the Cross parish, retiring as Head Usher just before Christmas.

It was at a Middlebury Fire Department dance that he met the love of his life, Charlotte Hamilton. Charlotte pre-deceased her husband in 2007. Charlotte and Bob leave four children, Jennifer C. Desmarais of Stratford, Robert C. Desmarais, Jr. of Middlebury, David H. Desmarais of Middlebury, and John E. Desmarais of Middlebury. Bob was a man of few words but lit up when speaking of his eight grandchildren. Moria of Reno, NV, Robert, III, of Reno, NV, David of Southbury, Brittany, Hannah, Nicholas, Tyler, and Jenna of Middlebury. In addition to his children, he leaves his brother James of Naugatuck, and sister Kathleen Ream of Sun City, AZ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church, 1263 West Street. Friends may call Friday, March 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovet­ere, 235 Main St. North.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, 65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury, CT 06762.

Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department
65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury CT 06762