Robert "Bob" A. Barbour, 95, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Portland Care and Rehabilitation. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, the late Viola R. (Linares) Barbour — and one can only imagine the smile on both their faces.

Born in Middletown and raised in East Hampton, CT, Bob was the son of the late Norman Linwood Barbour and Ida Helen (Rittmann) Barbour. He lived his 95 years with the same spirit of curiosity and adventure that defined him from the start. As a young man growing up in East Hampton, Bob made a bit of local history as the second person in town to own a tele-vision (so he claims) — a distinction he no doubt enjoyed. In his twenties, his sense of adventure took him on a cruise to Europe, where he nearly missed his ship's departure home, having been thoroughly captivated by the beauty of a young Italian woman. Bob being Bob, the story was always told with a grin. He channeled that same entrepreneurial energy into owning and operating his own restaurant before eventually selling the business and embarking on a long and dedicated career as an expeditor with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, from which he retired with the satisfaction of a job well done. 

But it was at home and in his community where Bob truly shone. Known affectionately as "Gramps," he had a gift for bringing joy to those around him — whether that meant donning the Snoopy costume every Easter to delight his grandchildren, slipping them quarters for ice cream at Cyprus Grill, or showing up in yet another costume at BPOE Elks Lodge 771 to entertain the kids. He was a proud and active Lodge member who gave generously of his time and his sense of humor. 

Bob was also a beloved regular at the Middletown Senior Center, where his warm presence was always welcome. His visits there were made possible through the loving devotion of his cousins, Beverly and Lou Mays, to whom the family is deeply grateful. If there was one thing that Bob loved more than his wife and family it was his yard. Whatever needed to be done, Bob was on top of it, mowing, trimming, planting you would always find him in the yard doing something. Bob's legacy lives on through his family. 

He is survived by his daughter, Eva Tyburski, and her husband Dennis of Higganum; five cherished grandchildren, Susan M. Alger, David A. Greaves, Christopher M. Greaves, Rose Edwards, and Angel Von Dean; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dear neighbor and friend, Valerie Funderburg, and his niece, Kim Emmons. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Viola L. Barbour; his daughter, Susan Quinion; and his sons-in-law, Richard Quinion and David Greaves.

Robert will be buried alongside his wife at St. Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield, CT. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Saturday July 25th from 1 to 2 p.m. at Eva and Dennis' home at 606 Wiese Albert Road, Higganum.