US Navy Beach Jumpers Assoc.

Obituary from the Record Journal, July 15, 2010 SOUTHINGTON, CT - Robert E. Roy, 86, of South End Road, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at the Westfield Care & Rehab in Meriden. He was the beloved husband of Dorothea (Caivano) Roy. Born Oct. 18, 1923 in Torrington, he was the eldest son of the late Louis J. and Bertha (Courchaine) Roy. Robert was a veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre of Operations from 1943 to 1946, and was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Beach Jumpers, BJU6. He was employed at Gray Mfg. Co., Hartford, Times Wire and Cable, Wallingford and retired from Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford in 1990, as purchasing manager. Bob was an active parishioner of Mary Our Queen Church, serving on the building committee and was a Eucharistic Minister and commentator. Bob was actively involved in his community, most notably serving as the Republican Town Committee chairman in the 1960's. He was passionate about his numerous interests including, the arts, environment, genealogy, technology, photography, history, politics and lifelong learning. He was a member of the U.S. Beach Jumpers Association, American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 Southington, VFW Post 09086 Torrington, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Association des Familles Roy d'Amerique of Canada, French Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut, of Tolland, Southington Genealogical Society of Plantsville, Connecticut Historical Society, where he volunteered for over 10 years, Ocracoke Preservation Society, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., and the National Geographic Society. Bob's family would like to thank the staff at the Westfield Care and Rehab and the Franciscan Hospice care for all their care, attention and support shown to their husband and father. Bob will be incredibly missed for his quiet nature in achieving his many accomplishments and most of all his devotion and love to his family. Besides his wife, Bob is survived by his two loving daughters, Annette R. Lombardi and husband, Anthony, of New Hartford, and Michele R. Pekoske and husband, David, of Bethesda, Md.; a brother, Donald J. Roy, of Torrington; four adoring grandchildren, Matthew D. Pekoske, of Alameda, Calif., Kristen M., Corinne N. and Jillian E. Pekoske, all of Bethesda, Md.; a niece, Lynn Banziruk, of Torrington; and a nephew, Thomas Roy, of Acworth, Ga. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the U.S. Navy Beach Jumper's Memorial Fund, 450-106 State Road 13N, #407, St. Johns, FL 32259-3860 or to a charity of one's choice. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 17, at 8:45a.m., from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, to Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St., Plantsville, for a Mass at 9:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Torrington. Calling hours will be Friday (TODAY) from 5 to 8 p.m. For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com Dorothea C. Roy, 97, beloved wife, mom, nana, great nana, aunt, cousin, and friend, became an angel in heaven on October 19, 2024. Born in Meriden, CT, she was the only daughter of Antoinette T. Caivano and Anthony Caivano. Dorothea grew up in Meriden and was part of a large and exuberant Italian family. From an early age she was always a strong, hard working and independent woman who never backed down from a challenge. Whether shoveling coal into the furnace or playing baseball with her beloved brother Albert, the star on his baseball team, she was a force to be reckoned with. Always a trailblazer, Dorothea was a member of the Ida Fems, a group of strong- willed women, forever bonded through their lives, dedicated to making a difference in their community. After graduating from high school, she began her career with Connecticut Telephone, where her exceptional secretarial skills quickly earned her a promotion to Personnel Director. It was here that she met and hired the love of her life, Robert E. Roy. She married her “Robbie Dobbie”, on October 17, 1953, and together they built a beautiful life that exemplified unwavering love and commitment. They moved to Southington in 1959, settling into the home she cherished for 65 years. After leaving Connecticut Telephone she continued her career in various private and government fields holding influential positions in each. She ended her career working for the Connecticut State Police as an Administrative Assistant. Dorothea treasured the years with the department, forming long lasting friendships and countless memories. She was very proud to retire from the State Police. Throughout her beautiful life, Dorothea masterfully balanced her career and family. As a mom, she was deeply involved in her daughters’ school and social activities, the PTA, her husband’s political pursuits, and their religious community as a founding member of Mary Our Queen, St. Luke Parish. She opened her family’s world to culture, music, theater, dancing, singing, games, sports and, of course, her delicious food. Annual family vacations were thoroughly treasured at historical locations and beaches, our favorite being the time spent in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Her home was a haven of love and joy for all who entered. Every celebration—whether birthdays, holidays, graduations, or other milestones—were spectacularly celebrated and unforgettable. Dorothea instilled the importance of family, unconditional love, integrity, grace and respect. She encouraged her daughters to live each day in gratitude and taught them to be the strong women they are today. By the way she lived her life, Dorothea influenced and impacted multiple generations that will live forever in the hearts of everyone who knew her. This is her Extraordinary Legacy. As a Nana and Great Nana, she showered her grandchildren, great-granddaughter and grand-dogs with boundless love, affection and wisdom. Known as everyone’s Nana, her compassionate heart made everyone feel like family. She had a remarkable ability to put a smile on your face and brighten your day. Celebrating every moment, she was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, no matter how big or small the achievement. A fierce competitor in Scrabble and Rummy, you’d hear her say “Good Show!” and realize you never had a chance. She filled our hearts with joy and our bellies with the best meatballs, stuffed shells, lasagna and cookies in the world. A lover of sports, she began as a Yankees and UConn fan, but soon became an avid supporter of the Packers, Nationals, Notre Dame, Brewers, Braves, and Cowboys in support of her family. Dorothea was surrounded by a devoted network of loved ones who quickly became known as “Dottie’s Posse”; a supportive group of incredible cousins (Bobbie and Carol), extended family (Mell), loving neighbors (Diane, Susan and Kevin), dear friends (Pod and Kathy) and her loving caregiver Lucy Tavarez, from the Franciscan Home Care. All were blessed to have each other in their lives. She was one of a kind and truly one of the best people to ever live. Her vibrant spirit, unwavering determination, heart of gold, and perpetual optimism touched the hearts of everyone she encountered. With a remarkable ability to find joy in the simplest moments, she reminded us all of the beauty in life. Her passions extended to causes close to her heart, including The Center for Coastal Studies and religious organizations, reflecting her love for aquatic life, the environment and the well being of children. A dedicated volunteer who took every opportunity to lead in the causes she loved. Dorothea was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Roy, and her brother, Albert F. Caivano, whom she idolized and lost too young as Albert paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. She is survived by her loving family: her two adoring daughters, Annette Lombardi (Net the Pet) and husband Tony (Antonio), and Michele Pekoske (Shell Belle) and husband David (Dear David). She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren: Matt Pekoske (Matty) and wife Charlotte, their daughter Grace Dorothea, Kristen Pekoske (Cutie Pie Curly Tops), Corinne Pekoske (Pichanina) and husband Allen, and Jillian Pekoske (Bambina), who will carry on her spirit and honor her memory forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love for family, extended family, special cousins, friends and everyone she touched.

ETM 2/c Robert E. Roy BJU-6 1943-45 d. 7-14-2010 “Fair winds and following seas” One of Bob’s many interests included photography. During his time spent on Ocracoke Island while training with the Beach Jumpers, he would take scenic pictures of the training areas on Loop Shack Hill as well as photos of his shipmates during his tour. Today many of these photos can be found on display at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum on Ocracoke Island, NC. A link to the society website is at: https://www.ocracokepreservationsociety.org/ select Online Exhibits > US Navy on Ocracoke (Some of the photos courtesy of Robert Roy)