Robert Mattis

Robert J. Mattis Sr., 94, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at his home, on Sunday, January 19. He was born in Stamford on March 26, 1930, to Adolph and Esther Mattis. He is survived by his brother, Richard Mattis and predeceased by his brother, Donald. He was predeceased by loving wife Ruth (Mickey) of 62 years. His memory will be treasured by his children and their spouses; Deborah and David Haight, Robert and Doris Mattis and Barbara and Richard Moffett. He was loved by his seven grandchildren: Christopher, Christina, David, Andrew, Robert, Jillian and Katherine and four great grandchildren: Madeleine, Connor, Nora and Lucy.

Robert “Big Bob” was a life-long resident of Stamford. He loved telling stories about growing up in what was then the rural Springdale neighborhood. He talked of hunting squirrels and swimming in the creek near his family home. He and his brothers would develop sturdy frames on their mother’s home cooking and a driving work ethic from their father.

The best stories of his youth centered around golf and the Woodway Country Club. He found ways to earn money caddying and running the snack bar as he practiced the game. His love of golf would last for the remainder of his life. He taught, family members to play and annually joined the men of the West Side Sportsman’s Club on their annual trek to New Hampshire. He particularly cherished his time playing golf at Hubbard Heights and spending time in the “Blue Room” with good friends – Hank, Jerry and the Doc.

Upon graduation from Stamford High School, he served in the United States Army. He was assigned to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska and trained as an “Arctic Warrior” in the closing years of the Korean Conflict. He learned to ski and fight in the frigid cold, which he was well suited for and enjoyed.

After his service, he married the love of his life, Mickey. They enjoyed trips along the east coast becoming frequent visitors to the Jersey Shore to enjoy those “Wildwood Days”. Later in life they would purchase their first home in Stamford and live out their days as they always had imagined; “Let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.”

Bob proudly served as a Connecticut State Trooper for over 32 years, almost exclusively at Troop G in Westport. While he may have been an imposing figure at 6’ 2” when pulling over a motorist, most quickly learned he had a quick wit, and they would only suffer a barb or two before being sent on their way.

An on-the-job injury required a lengthy rehab. Swimming was the only antidote for the pain. He became quite well known at Cummings Park in Stamford for his mile swim back and forth between the pier and the break wall.

He’ll also be long remembered for his humor and service to anyone in need of help.

The family would like to thank Paul Horowitz of Greenwich Homecare and his caregiver, Mariam Doumbia who became a dear friend of his and a member of the family. Her patience and loving care made his final years at home healthy and happy.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, January 24 at 11:00 am, officiated by his friend Fr. Nick Pavia, at St. Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery, 230 Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (CHOP) https://give2.chop.edu/ in honor of Nora and their lifesaving work.

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