Obituary of Robert John Naedele

On Friday, November 9, 2018, Robert John Naedele, finished his inspiring journey here with us, having passed away after having filled 64 and 1/2 years with life, love, and impact.

A loving husband, Bob, was blessed to have his high school sweetheart, wife of 43 years, and bedrock, Cheryl, by his side every step of the way. An amazing and very proud father, Dad, was adored, cherished and will always be remembered by his 3 children, Robert Jr., Shaun, and Shannon – as well as his 3 children-in-law, Kate, Annie, and Quinn. A loyal son and brother, Bobby was comforted along his journey by his mother, Doris, and his sisters, Mary Ellen Samatulski, Patricia Gray, Joan Carr, and Terri-Ann Plude. Robert is now joyfully reunited with his father, John Francis, and older brother, Gerald Francis – both of whom predeceased him.

Born in 1954, in Bridgeport, CT, Bob was an outstanding friend and athlete as a young man. After graduating from Notre Dame in 1972, Bo survived a life-changing motorcycle accident in 1974, married Cheryl in 1975, and then joined the Bridgeport Police Department in 1978. Progressing rapidly from Patrolman to Detective "BoJack", Bob served for 23 years, receiving numerous commendations from the City of Bridgeport, the State's Attorney's Office, the City of New York and the NYPD, as well as the US Department of Justice for his exceptional results and exemplary service. In 2001, Bo returned to the community as a State Judicial Marshall, where dutifully served in Court Operations for another decade.

Inspired by legendary Coach Don Shula, Bob was, and will be, forever a teacher and leader of young men. Over 40 years, Bob invested so much in so many. From Bridgeport Pop Warner, Notre Dame High School, and Shelton High School Football to North End Little League and Oxford American Legion Baseball as well as the Boy Scouts, Coach Bob loved to be on the field and in the mix.

Sundays in the Fall were for his beloved Miami Dolphins, and every day included his favorite athlete, Dan Marino. Saturdays in the Fall were for deer and turkey hunting with his buddies at the Cabin, while Spring marked fishing season and his renowned Irish Soda Bread. Grampie's legacy of selflessness and service, grit and perseverance, toughness and kindness, pride and love will live on through his 5 grandchildren, Julia Frances and Ella Maeve Naedele, John Jerome and Grace Anne Naedele, and Mackenzie Jo Levey.

Robert's life, love, and impact will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, November 15th, 2018, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 pm in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Rd., Fairfield Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: The Bob Naedele '72 Student Athlete Scholarship Fund, Notre Dame High School, 220 Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT 06825.To sign an online register or to get travel directions, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com