Robert T. Garbukas, 80, of Prospect passed away peacefully surrounded in the love of his beloved family Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Vitas IPU.  He was the loving husband and best friend of Carol (Lussier) Garbukas for over 57 years. Born February 16, 1944, Bob was a son of the late Albert and Margaret (Bulkovitch) Garbukas.

Bob and Carol fell in love and married in 1967.  They were best friends, soulmates and partners in creating a loving home to raise their daughters in Waterbury. Over the 57 years of their marriage they celebrated intense joys and shouldered devastating heartache together- strengthening each other along the way.

Bob spent 56 years as an IT specialist, the last fifteen at Cheshire High School.  He contributed his organizational skills and dedication to his community as the founding incorporator of REMCO, a volunteer rescue organization that would augment area police departments during natural disasters and emergencies.

Husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend; Bob devoted his life to being the best of all these roles.  He was a “Jack of all trades”, the “go to guy” that taught and skillfully completed every project from electrical to plumbing to carpentry.  “Poppy” would spend hours with his grandsons in the workshop sharing his knowledge and love. Bob will be missed, yet his memory and legacy will continue to bring comfort.

Left to cherish his love and memory beside his loving wife Carol are his daughter Tricia Maia of Southington and his cherished grandsons Jaden and Cameron Maia.  Bob also leaves his brother in law Paul Lussier of Prospect and sister in law Elaine Tiganella of NC as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  Bob is preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Garbukas.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 9am to 10am at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  Procession will depart at 10:30 for Bob’s mass of Christian burial at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 12 Ardsley Rd., Waterbury.  Burial will immediately follow at St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck. Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for the Garbukas family during their time of grief.  Your words of comfort, favorite memories and photos can be shared on this website on Bob’s tribute wall.