Robert F. Santamaria

Robert F. Santamaria, a 35 -year resident Harwinton and most recently of Torrington died on November 6, 2024, after a long illness. He was 85 years old. Born and raised in Torrington he was the son of Flavio and Domenica (Serasio) Santamaria, immigrants from Piemonte in Northern Italy. Robert attended Torrington public schools and worked part time in the family building business. He inherited at an early age a strong work ethic from his parents.

After time spent in the local Army Reserve, he attended and graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in construction management. Later, Robert was elected membership to the school's Construction Management Advisory Board. After College graduation, Robert worked for two prominent Connecticut building companies as a Field Engineer, Superintendent, Estimator and Project Manager.

In 1973 he co-founded The Watertown Construction Co, Inc (WCCI) which constructed institutional, industrial buildings, bridges and heavy concrete construction works for municipalities, universities, and for the states of CT, NY and MA. Additionally, in 1980 he co-founded the Gar-San Corp., a merit shop construction company with a concentration in institutional and commercial buildings in CT. Robert appointed his daughter Lisa Nelson as President. Lisa had been Robert's Vice President and Special Assistant at WCCI.

Robert was a past member of the Elks and Unico clubs of Torrington and the Weatinoge Land Trust. He served on several of Harwinton's Building Committees and Advisory Boards. He was an avid tennis player and belonged to the Litchfield County Club and Pinewoods Racquet Club with his wife Judith.

Robert was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, cross country skiing and photography. He spent much of his limited free time working at his cabin and farm in Sandisfield, MA-In recent years with his grandson Ryan Nelson.

In retirement he spent much time working around the Harwinton house on landscaping and maintenance projects. He also enjoyed reading the books that he missed during his young and busy working days. Robert was proud of his Italian heritage. He studied and spoke the language and was planning his third trip to Italy but was prevented from doing so by his illness.

In addition to his loving wife Judith Rossi Santamaria, Robert is survived by his son-in-law T.R. Nelson, grandchildren Ryan and Christina Nelson of New Hartford and Ella McSally of Newton, MA and many cousins. In addition, Robert is survived by his stepchildren Judith Hall and her husband William of Portsmouth, RI; Sharon Zeffiro of Plymouth, MA and Gregory Zeffiro of Torrington, CT and four step grandchildren. Robert was predeceased by daughters Lisa Nelson and Carla Santamaria. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Burial will be at the family plot in the West Side Cemetery in Harwinton.

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 8, 2024.

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