Robert Walter DeForest

Robert Walter DeForest of Concord, NH passed peacefully into eternal rest on March 6, 2024 at the age of 100.  Bob was born in 1923 to Bertrand Oliver and Ella Stickney DeForest of Derby, CT. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Helen Sexton DeForest who passed away in 2009. Bob and Helen married in 1961 and lived in Woodbridge, CT where they built a home, raised a family, and continued to reside until relocating to Pleasant View Retirement Community in Concord, NH in 2009.

Bob was also predeceased by his loving younger brother Bertrand O. DeForest, Jr. of Southbury, CT who passed away in 2021. Bert and his wife Fay visited Bob quite often in NH and enjoyed sharing scenic drives and nice meals in the surrounding area.

Bob attended Derby’s elementary schools and graduated from Derby High School, Class of 1941. Bob served his country as a sergeant in the US Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. In 1955, Bob earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Haven. He worked at Anaconda American Brass Company in Ansonia, CT, retiring in 1985 after a 39-year career in accounting and finance, ultimately as chief of the service cost department.

Bob was a lifelong supporter of scouting. He was in Cub Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3, and Explorer Post 33. He also attended the first National Scout Jamboree in Washington, DC in 1937. In later years Bob attended many scouting anniversary events.

Bob was a past commander of the CT Department of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as well as past secretary-treasurer, and was a 70-year member of this organization.

Bob was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Derby, CT where he served as board treasurer for many years and was honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus. Bob also served for several years as treasurer of the Pleasant View Resident’s Association. Bob was active in numerous activities at PVR and made many dear friends during the 14 years that he resided there.

Bob loved family vacations and was most fond of the times spent on Cape Cod, exploring the local sights, and enjoying walks along the National Seashore. In later years, Bob and Helen traveled to Bermuda, Florida, Nashville, and Cooperstown. Bob enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports over the years. He loved to watch baseball and football on television and was able to travel on occasion to attend games in Boston and New York. He also enjoyed attending football games at the Yale Bowl. Bob enjoyed spending time on his computer and iPad, even into his 100th year. Some of his favorite pastimes were bird watching, photography, classical music, and crossword puzzles.

Bob is survived by his three loving children; daughters Susan DeForest of Hopkinton, NH and Margaret DeForest Sterrett of Jupiter, FL and son John DeForest of Terryville, CT, and their spouses Robin Moore, James Sterrett, and Jennifer DeForest. He is also survived by his two grandchildren Christopher and Kaitlin DeForest, of whom he was very proud.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Derby. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife Helen. 

Calling hours will be on Thursday, March 14th from 5-8 p.m. at the Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St, Ansonia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Book of Remembrance of the First Congregational Church in Derby, care of the funeral home, or to Youth For Christ at www.yfcteens.com/give/ in memory of Bob.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Walter DeForest, please visit our floral store.