Robert E. Mallozzi, a lifelong resident of Darien, passed away on April 11, 2015.
Robert E. Mallozzi
The son of the late Robert E. and Caroline Chianelli Mallozzi, he was predeceased by his only sibling, Edward Ralph Mallozzi, in 2012 and was married to his beloved wife, Phyllis Andrea Mallozzi, for 54 years.
Mr. Mallozzi graduated from Darien High School and the University of Vermont.
He served in the U.S. Armed Forces for two years before joining the family business and becoming President of Bob’s Sports, Inc. a sporting goods and clothing business established in 1937 in Stamford and New Canaan.
During his tenure, the store garnered many national retailing awards including “Ski Shop of the East” and “Sporting Goods Dealer Regional Retailer of the Year.”
As an active member of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, he helped organize the town’s first Sidewalk Sales days in the ’70s and later became a Founder-Director of the New Canaan Bank & Trust. Until recently, he served as Managing Partner of Caroline Realty, a family-owned commercial real estate company.
As a local business owner and Darien native, Bob was a well-liked figure in the area known for his warmth, jovial nature, leadership and generosity. Countless people in Stamford, Darien and New Canaan have fond memories of working for and being mentored by him at Bob’s Sports.
Bob was also well known for his musical abilities and being an avid sportsman who particularly enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his wife Phyllis. He was a longtime member of the Country Club of Darien and the Gainey Ranch Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he and Phyllis wintered. He was also a former member at the Shorehaven Country Club, and a Board Member of the CT Junior/Senior Golf Association. He was an accomplished Trap shooter and belonged to the Wood Way Gun Club.
For the past four years, Bob was a proud volunteer at the Tully Center, where he could be found at the front desk greeting patients. But of all his passions and talents, nothing made Bob happier than spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. He will be remembered by all of them for his humble demeanor, sense of humor and zest for life.
Bob is survived by his wife, the former Phyllis Andrea of Greenwich, son Robert E. Mallozzi III of New Canaan, (Elizabeth), daughter Andrea Mallozzi of Darien, grandson Robert E. Mallozzi IV, and granddaughter Katherine Elizabeth. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dana Mallozzi of New Canaan, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 16th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, April 17th at 2pm at St. Johns Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien. There will be a private family internment at Spring Grove Cemetery.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Philip Negus, Dr. Leslie Resor, Dr. Michael Barr and Dr. William Pintauro for all the care they provided.
Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Vermont Foundation, UVM Fund, 411 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401 or the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, P. O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492.
[Note: This obituary appeared on the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home website.]
Robert Mallozzi was a great man and patrician of a wonderful family. He leaves a legacy of decency and integrity and humility and warmth all along the path of his worthy life. It was a pleasure to know him. Many are saddened by his departure but we can all celebrate his life.