Obituary: Robert M. Fechtor

Robert M. Fechtor, son of the late Saul Fechtor and Sarah Greenberg Fechtor, died peacefully at his home in West Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, with family at his side.

Robert M. Fechtor

He was 95 years old. Bob had two lifelong passions: enjoying time with his family and getting as far away from them as possible. He took great pleasure in traveling the world with Louise Shulansky Fechtor, his wife of 52 years, and together, they created memories and friendships in 98 countries around the world.

He was endlessly curious about people, ideas, cultures, relationships, and business. A loving and principled family man, he was actively engaged in the interests, challenges, and dreams of every member of his family. Always. Born in Boston, Bob served as a corporal in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and graduated from Brown University in 1948. He was a successful business owner of the Hartford Lumber Company, a respected community leader, an active member of various boards (notably, Life Officer and past president of the Mandell Jewish Community Center of Greater Hartford, past president of the Mount Sinai Hospital Association in Hartford, board member of Hebrew Home for the Aged), a generous philanthropist, and a sneaky tennis player who made up in speed and junk shots what he lacked in power and technique.

He was well-known for his quick wit, storytelling ability, and groan-inducing “pun”ch-lines. (Yeah, like that one.) When Louise predeceased Bob in 2003, he counted himself lucky to have found a loving partner in Jill (Gilda) Sheketoff Brock, with whom he lived, joked, sparred verbally, vacationed, and spent the rest of his life.

Bob is survived by his partner, Jill, his sons, Stephen (Amy Thompson) of Columbus, OH, David (Kendra Dowd) of Arlington, MA, and Richard (Amy) of West Hartford, CT; his beloved grandchildren, Jessica Fechtor (Eli Schleifer), Kasey Fechtor, Caleb Fechtor, and Anna Fechtor; Abby Adams (Marco Ajello), Libby Adams, and Katie Wannen (Kit); Stephanie Coroso (Brian) and Michelle Fechtor; and adored great-grandchildren, Mia, Frieda, and Matilda Schleifer; Nico Ajello; Tallulah and Delta Wannen; and Kayla Coroso. He also leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Dick Green of Chestnut Hill, MA, a sister-in-law, Ruth Shulansky of Bloomfield, CT, and loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 13, 12:30pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119, followed by graveside prayer and interment at Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon, CT 06001. Shiva will be held at 3:00-4:30pm at the Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. Weinstein Mortuary has charge of arrangements.

COVID protocols will be practiced throughout the day. Please wear a mask. If you are not vaccinated, please take and verify a negative test before coming.

Donations may be made to the Fechtor Family Fund at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT, the Louise and Robert Fechtor and Sons Fund at the Mandell Jewish Community Center of Greater Hartford, or to the Fechtor Family Scholarship Fund at Brandeis University.

Source: Weinstein Mortuary, Inc.