Robert S. Chernoff passed away on April 30, 2020 of COVID-19. He was born in Bridgeport on July 5, 1938.

Bob grew up in Newtown and graduated from Newtown High School, Class of 1956, and attended Adath Israel Synagogue in Newtown, which his grandparents were part of the founding group. In his younger days he enjoyed fishing in Coger’s Pond and boating on Candlewood Lake. As a teenager he was volunteer with the Botsford Volunteer Fire Department, along with his father, who was the first Chief.

Directly after high school he joined the Army and served two years in Yokohama, Japan. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home, married, and raised his family in Newtown. He had a varied career, working at his parents’ gas station, driving a distribution truck, as an exterminator, and then retiring from employment with the State of Connecticut as a caregiver at Southbury Training School.

After retirement, he made a hobby of creating collages of his grandchildren’s photos, and could be found attending to his many bird feeders, walking his dogs around the gazebo in Southbury, at the thrift store, and visiting friends. He never met a dog he did not want to pet, or bird or animal he did not want to feed.

He loved Cape Cod, lobster, strong coffee, ketchup on everything, helping his children out around their homes, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, and piano and dance recitals. Throughout his life, Bob never lost his sharp wit or sense of humor.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Deborah and Louis LaPorte of New York and Southbury; Mark and Gabriella Chernoff of Newtown; Lisa and David Bateman of Massachusetts; six grandchildren, Keri, Kevin, and Kyle Chernoff, and Leah, Aaron, and Sarah Bateman; his former wife Lorraine Chernoff; and cousins and friends. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Ann (Busker) and Milton Chernoff; and his sweet dog, Lovey.

The family would like to thank the kind staff at The Hearth of Southbury, the 12th Floor Tower and 11East teams at Danbury Hospital, and his friends Paul S. and Chuck D. for always continuing to visit him.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Newtown Animal Shelter, 21 Old Farm Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://alz.org/act/donate.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.