Robert “Bob” Nielsen, 67, of Newtown, died January 6, at his home. He was born January 22, 1946, in Hartford, and raised in Wethersfield by Roy and Mary Nielsen, along with his siblings, Carol and Roy, Jr. 

He went on to earn his BA in English from The University of Connecticut, Storrs. During his time at Storrs, Mr Nielsen met Cynthia, who became his wife of 44 years. 

He enlisted and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. At the conclusion of his service he embarked on a career in the public sector as an employee for the State of Connecticut, where he enjoyed a successful career of 35 years. 

Upon retirement, Mr Nielsen was able to pursue his lifelong love of animals, made possible by the good people at the Newtown Animal Care and Control Center, where he worked and volunteered. 

In addition to his wife, his two children, Jesse and Jamie Nielsen, survive Mr Nielsen.

He will be remembered by family and friends as a kind-hearted man, with a soft spot for dogs. 

Arrangements will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of the United States, at www.humanesociety.org.

The Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, is serving the family.