Robert (Bob) Garney, aka "Papa Bear", passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 16, 1930, and grew up in Bristol, where he attended school, married the love of his life and raised his family. Bob was an active member of the community, coaching minor league baseball, serving on the Board of Education and he was President of his local garden club.

After graduating from the General Motors Institute in Michigan, he proudly joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he began his successful career as an engineer for New Departure, a division of General Motors, in Bristol, where he remained until his retirement in 1986.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Peggy (Quinlan), and his children, son James and his wife Lyn; daughters Kathleen Irish and husband Jeff; and MaryEllen Prill and husband Doug. He leaves six loving grandchildren: Erin, Stephanie, Kelsey, Bridget, Zachary and Maybelline who all brought him immense joy. He also leaves three great-grandchildren, Lyla, Rafferty and Susie as well as a very loving niece, Gretchen Hein and son-in-law, David Desmarais. He was predeceased by his daughters Susan Desmarais and Patricia Garney and his sisters Mildred Hein and Joy Warren.

Bob found great pleasure in the arts, as he and Peg were season members at the Bushnell and Goodspeed for decades. He also had the incredible ability to recite epic poems from memory, even into his 90's. He loved travelling, both domestic and abroad and tending to his amazing garden. The family would like to give a special thank-you to the entire staff and residents at the Brookdale Gables in Farmington, where they have happily lived the last five years. A private memorial will be planned for a later date at the discretion of the family.