Robert (Bob) Joseph Mester, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, surrounded by family after a brief illness.

    Born in Bridgeport, CT, on February 14, 1948, Bob was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy Mester. An incredible family man, Bob was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, always putting his family at the center of his life. Bob worked for decades at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford before his retirement. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course and Long Island Sound, and curating beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Bob was a loyal fan of the New York Mets and Jets, never losing faith in his teams. Bob had a lifelong passion for drum and bugle corps, beginning with the St. Ann's Loyalaires, later joining the PAL Cadets, where he met his beloved wife, Susan. He rekindled his passion for drum corps as a member of the Park City Pride Alumni Corps, reviving many friendships and creating new, treasured memories. Bob was a lifelong resident of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. A devout Catholic, Bob was an active member of St. Ann Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister for many years.

    Bob is survived by daughter Alison Mester-Ibarra and her husband Julio; daughter Jamie Bazso and her husband William; grandchildren Audrey, Adelaide and Julien Antolín; sister-in-law Deborah Mester along with several cherished nieces and nephews and many dear lifelong friends.

    Bob was predeceased by his devoted wife of 52 years, Susan Mester; parents, Joseph and Dorothy Mester; brother, Rodney Mester; grandson, Robert Bazso.

    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 31st, from 3 PM to 7 PM at Lesko Funeral Home, located at 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. The services will continue at Saint Ann Church on Wednesday April 1 at 10:30 AM. Following the funeral mass, burial will take place at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. For travel directions or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable memorial donations be made to St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT. The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bridgeport Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care during Bob's final days.