Date of Service:
August 16, 2022
Date of Viewing:
August 15, 2022
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Robert L. Esposito, age 77, passed away August 9, 2022, at the VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach.
He was born May 14, 1945 in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Adolph and Bruna Esposito.
Bob was a graduate of West Haven High School, class of 1963. He served in the United States Navy, serving on the USS New DD818.
He was a parishioner of St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach and a past office of the Knights of Columbus Council 5629. He was also past president of the Orange Hills Men’s Golf Association.
He enjoyed his 37 years of work, with the United Illuminating Company, New Haven, Connecticut. During retirement, he worked at the Yale University Golf Course for 13 year, prior to moving to Vero Beach, Florida. His love of golf continued after his move to Florida in 2015. He worked part time at both Bent Pine Golf Course and Orchid Island Gold Course, in Vero Beach, FL.
Bob also dedicated over 35 years to the American Hockey League, as the Chief Off Ice Official with the New Haven Nighthawks, Senators, The Beat of New Haven, and The Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Lanny; sons, Chad (Chrissy) and Sugito (Ririn); daughters, Dina (David) Floccari and Novia (John) Mozart; brothers, Anthony Esposito, Eugene (Barbara) Esposito, and Henry (Jan) Esposito; sisters, Elizabeth (David) Briggs, Mary (Frank) Yuliana; and grandchildren, Maurice, Philippe, Pasquale, Sebastian, Posey, Evelyn, Luca, and Mia.
His favorite times were watching Dina play youth hockey and field hockey in high school, watching Chad play youth hockey and high school hockey, and also enjoying his grandson playing high school soccer and tennis.
A Visitation for friends and family will be held 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, 2022, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 7550 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., August 20, 2022 at Saint Anthony Church, 70 Washington Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519.
Interment, with military honors will take place in New Haven, Connecticut.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Pat and Lou Spradling - Friend and neighbor
August 10, 2022, 9:59 pm
Rest peacefully in The Arms of Jesus, dear Bobby.
Ralph Amendola - Friend
August 11, 2022, 4:54 pm
My most sincere condolences to Bobby’s family. May the Good Lord rest his soul.
Edward Drew - Fellow member of KofC, work colleague and friend.
August 11, 2022, 6:57 pm
To a fellow Sir Knight, a work colleague, and friend, God Bless you, Rest In Peace Bob. My condolences to Bob’s entire family
Mike kusheba - UI Friend
August 11, 2022, 9:04 pm
You were a good man. God bless R.I.P.
David Jackson - Golf buddy and neighbor
August 12, 2022, 11:41 am
Bobby and Lanny, so very sorry to hear this sad news. I remember the day we met in your driveway, we were all new to the neighborhood. Bobby’s smile and charismatic personality. He asked, “Do you play golf”, instant friendship.
Wayne and Connie stewart - neighbors and friends
August 13, 2022, 1:51 am
Connie and I would like to express our condolences and extend our hands as you friend and neighbor should you need anything. Your family is in our prayers. Be Blessed. In Jesus name we pray.
Mike Arnone - Work associate
August 13, 2022, 2:49 am
My condolences to Bobby’s family. Both my dad and I worked with Bob at UI. I throughly enjoyed the relationship I had with him. Bob was a great guy. May he Rest In peace.
Lenny & Dawn Croteau - Friends
August 15, 2022, 1:33 pm
Our sincerest condolences all of Bobby’s family. We have been friends with Bobby and his family for many years. Bobby was one of the nicest people and friend you could ever want! The world was a better place with Bobby in it. Rest in Peace sir, all our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Michel Gilbert - Friend
August 15, 2022, 3:53 pm
I knew Bob for over 40 years as I met him upon my arrival in New Haven after being hired by the Nighthawks. During my 9 years there Bob was as professional as one person could be. His sense of humor, kindness and dedication to family was always first and foremost. His love of golf never waned and I’m glad he enjoyed it at some very prestigious courses. My best wishes to Chad and Dina to know their Dad was an inspirational man who cared about everyone around him. He always greeted me with a “sarcastic” remark and a smile and I’ll always remember him for that.
Roy Mlakar
August 19, 2022, 10:24 pm
As President of New Haven Nighthawks and best friends with Bobby our life’s were full of enjoyment both together and our families. Consulate professional and a great parent. A most loyal worker and lover of hockey. Management and players respected his efforts. Bobby will be missed by many!
NANCY MLAKAR - FRIEND
August 22, 2022, 4:17 pm
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO CHAD, DINA AND HIS EXTENDED FAMILY. BOBBY WAS A GOOD FRIEND OF THE MLAKAR FAMILY WHEN WE LIVED IN CT. HE WAS A WELL LIKED PERSON AND A DEDICATED WORKER TO THE NIGHTHAWKS.
Dan Rusanowsky - Friend and Colleague
August 23, 2022, 4:00 am
The hockey world will miss Bob greatly. During my years calling New Haven Nighthawks play by play, I can’t tell you how many great memories that we shared. He established a very high standard for all off ice officials to follow. My condolences to his entire family and many friends.