Philip J. Robotham, Sr.
Philip J. Robotham, Sr., 75, of Old Saybrook, formerly of Bristol, passed away surrounded by his family on Nov. 6. He was the beloved husband of Susan Semrau Robotham. He was born on Sept. 26, 1939, in Hartford, son of the late Richard E. and Mae Goodfield Robotham.
Phil was a U.S. veteran serving in the Navy. After his return from the service, he worked at Wallace Barnes Associated Spring as a millwright until 1990. He was a UAW president of the local union for 15 years, working his way up from union steward.
Phil moved from Bristol to Old Saybrook 15 years ago, and met some of his best friends there. He opened Phil’s Home Maintanence soon after leaving Bristol. Phil was well liked on the shoreline, always with a kind word and a smile and a huge heart; he will be missed.
Besides his adoring wife Susan, he is survived by his son Phil and his wife Stacy of Bristol, and his daughter Karen Foster.
He is also survived by his sister Lynn Savage of Bristol and Gerald Robotham and his wife Cynthia of Hyannis, as well as many nieces and nephews, including Richard Bugryn whom Phil thought of as a son.
Phil also leaves behind his grandchildren Philip Michael Robotham, Michael Antonio Foster, Danielle Susan Foster, Chelsea Robotham, Terrence Robotham, and Kelly and Jeremy Robotham. Phil will be joining his late son Steven in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Old Saybrook Soup Kitchen or to nearby animal shelters. Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, Nov. 15 from 11 to 2, with services starting at 2 p.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Old Saybrook. Please visit www.swanfuneraloldsaybrook.com for online tributes and condolences.