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Robert Lawrence Lombardi, Sr., 85, passed away on April 3. Bob was born on Dec. 20, 1936, to parents, Blanche and Paul and was a lifelong resident of Ivoryton. Bob was predeceased by his father, Paul; his mother, Blanche; his wife Nancy; and sisters, Pauline and Mary.

Bob became known around town as “Pops” when he became a grandfather. Pops leaves behind a son, Robert Jr. (Dyan); a daughter, Debra (Michael); a grandson, Ryan (Jennifer); and great-granddaughter Nattalie. He also leaves brothers-in-law James McCauley (Gail) and James Kelvey, along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Along with the love of his life, Nancy, he traveled the world. Many of their travels included friends and family and many adventures. The family enjoyed many summers vacationing at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island. Pops was an avid car enthusiast and was especially proud of the Model A truck he built. He could often be seen cruising the shoreline in his 1939 Oldsmobile Coupe, and he won many trophies and awards at local car shows. Not only did he love cars, he was a wizard at fixing cars and spent much of his career working at various auto shops. He also worked for many local businesses including Richard Riggio & Sons and Stevens Excavating and B&L Construction. Bob was a member of the Essex Fire Department for many years and was the designated driver of the company’s antique fire truck in many parades. Along with Nancy, he was an avid gardener, bird lover, and enjoyed family and friend gatherings.

The family would like to thank his personal healthcare workers and friends (Robyn, Donna, Anya, and Diana) along with his daughter Deb and niece Tammy for their commitment to his wellbeing. We’d also like to thank the dedicated staff at Chesterfields who helped to keep him comfortable and safe during his stay there. May you rest in peace when you want and fly with the angels when you choose. You are already missed and will always be loved and remembered.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the Resurrection Cemetery, 1080 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donations to the Essex Volunteer Fire Department or the Friends of the Forest, 13 Pratt Street, Essex, CT. To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are by the Robinson, Wright, and Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.