William (Bill) J. Robida, Sr., 84, of Moodus, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth "Bette Jo" (Mills) Robida, passed peacefully surrounded by family Monday, June 27 ^th at the Hospital of Central Connecticut after suffering a stroke. Bill was born in Middletown, son of the late Alfred and Agnes (Mozdzierz) Robida.

Bill and Bette Jo married in 1959 and lovingly raised their three children and centered their lives on their family and loved ones. For 37 years Bill was employed by Pratt & Whitney until his first retirement in 1993. He then went on to get his refrigeration license and worked for 15 years for Eastern Refrigeration until his final retirement in 2008. Bill was a former longtime member of the East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department. He was a great athlete in soccer, baseball and basketball and in 2003 was inducted into the Nathan Hale-Ray Sports Hall of Fame. Bill enjoyed bowling, playing the slots, shooting craps, visiting with friends and family, hosting Holidays for family and friends, and helping others. He spent many hours with his wife meticulously caring for their property.

Bill is survived by two daughters, Vickie Lynch and her husband Jim, Debbie Shumbo and her husband Stan, a son, Bill Robida, Jr. and his wife Liz, six grandchildren, Abbey Lynch, Kyle Josephs, Brandon Shumbo, Cailyn Tischbein, Jack Beman, and Kristy Robida, a great grandchild, Mathew Beman, two brothers, Ted Robida of Moodus, Joseph Robida of Ohio, two sisters Arlene Johnson of East Hampton, Joanie Wind of Maine and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Robida, and a sister, Marie Nichols. Bill was deeply loved and will be truly missed by many.

A funeral liturgy will be held Saturday, July 2 ^nd at 12 p.m. at Saint Bridget of Kildare Church, 75 Moodus Leesville Road, Moodus.  Burial will follow in Saint Bridget of Kildare Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to East Haddam Food Bank, c/o East Haddam Youth & Family Services, P.O. Box 572, Moodus, CT, 06469 and to East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 375, East Haddam, CT, 06423. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.