Robert "Bob" James Mandulak, 70, of Sandy Hook died unexpectedly February 5. He was born in Bridgeport on January 29, 1947.

He was a graduate of Bullard-Havens Technical High School and went on to be a master carpenter and contractor for more than 40 years. Mr Mandulak's ability to make people smile and laugh was one of his secrets for being a successful home contractor, a good friend, and a great father. People were naturally drawn to his charisma and humor.

Mr Mandulak also served in the Navy from 1967 to 1971 as a Seabee and served in the Vietnam War. He then continued his service to his country through the Naval Reserves, where he stayed for 26 years and retired as a chief petty officer. He was very proud to be an American and loved his country fiercely.

His love for his family was well known. Mr Mandulak's wife of 45 years, Elaine (Constandilo) Mandulak; his daughter, Elaine Corbo, and her husband, Ray, of Newtown; his son, Thomas Mandulak of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his beloved grandson, Joey Corbo of Newtown; his brother, Michael Mandulak of Oxford; as well as several nieces and nephews, survive him. He was very proud of his children and his son-in-law Ray Corbo, and he could not talk enough about his grandson Joey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Saturday, February 11, at 11 am. Interment will follow in St Rose Cemetery in Newtown.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Yale New Haven Hospital at givetoynhh.org.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.