Obituary of Robert J. Palko

Robert James Palko Sr., 92, beloved husband of Irma Helen (Bablonka) Palko, son of Nicholas Palko Sr. and Helen (Kerekes) Palko, and steadfast brother of the late Nicholas Palko Jr., passed into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Bridgeport Hospital. Born at home January 23, 1928 (or as the story is told, the 24th, as the doctor did not show up until the next day!), on Osborne St. in Bridgeport, Bob was a proud resident of "Hunktown" - the vibrant and tradition-rich Hungarian section of the West End and Black Rock. He lived all his life within walking distance of his birthplace. He graduated from St. Stephen's Grammar School, Bassick High School and was a Boy Scout and Navy Veteran, serving as Machinist's Mate on the Captain's Gig of the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was after leaving the USN and on a blind date set up by his pal Frank Babycos, he met the absolute love of his life, Irma, and began a 65-year story that was a slice of the American Dream. Bob and Irma were married at St. Ann's Church and remained active parishioners there. A tool and die maker by trade, Bob retired from Remington Arms Sporting Division and then AVCO Lycoming, where he worked on building parts for the M1 Abrams Tank. He enjoyed bowling, cooking and baking pies and was a dedicated gardener who passed on his love for flowers and "the delicious tomato" to all his children. He loved his pet dogs and cats and enjoyed many hours of his golden years bird watching from the kitchen window. He was an avid swimmer especially after retirement, swimming several times a week with his "Shelton Swim Buddies" until he was 90. He and Irma danced at his 90th Birthday Party. A Lifetime member of Fayerweather Yacht Club, he spent many weekends with his sons, and best friend and big brother, Nick, fishing or clamming on their boat, Aquarius, out of Black Rock Harbor. He was also an active member of Catholic War Veterans Post 1446 in Black Rock. Bob is survived by Irma, his amazing and devoted wife (and nurse) of 65 years. They were an incredible "Tag Team" with engaging personalities and a gift for nurturing long friendships spanning decades, as well as creating instant connections to this day with people of all ages, cultures, creeds and heritages. His passing is mourned by his five children and their families, daughters Kathy (Jackson), and husband, David, from Woodstock, CT, Cynthia (Greene), and husband, Rev. Gary Greene, of Merrimac, MA; sons, William, and partner, Paulette, Lawrence, and partner, Irene, and Robert Jr., and wife, Karolin. He is also survived by two nephews, Thomas and Nicholas, and a special niece, Patricia, who selflessly assisted Bob's children in Bob and Irma's care over the past few years. "Poppie" / "Grandpa" has 10 wonderful grandchildren (Nate, Rob, Brit, Dan, Jay, Becca, Laura, Sarah, David and Tom). They loved to visit him and delighted at his "unfiltered" stories and sayings. While all Holidays were special, the highlight of every summer was to sutni szallona over a charcoal fire and toast a wonderful life with a shot of palinka and a Hungarian blessing – Isten eltessen, nagypapa! Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 26th, from 5 to 7 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 27th, at 11 AM in St. Ann Church with Military Honor conducted at the end of the church services (Mask wearing and social distancing will be observed for all services). His interment in Mountain Grove Cemetery will be private. An additional celebration of Bob's life will announced for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Bob's name to St. Ann's Parish, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605, or the charity of one's choice. For travel directions or to sign his online guest registers, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com