Obituary for Robert E. "Bob" Bale Sr.
Robert E. Bale Sr. (Bob), age 77, of Bloomfield, CT and formerly West Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2019. Bob battled cancer for ten years. He was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada on February 11, 1942. He and his family moved from Canada to Glen Ridge, NJ in 1952. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice E. Bale and Lillian Bale, and by his sister Lynne. Bob leaves behind his devoted wife of 54 years, Heather, two sons, Robert E. Bale Jr. of Duxbury, MA and Donald Jeffrey Bale of Toronto, Canada. He is also survived by his brother Bart and sister-in-law Jill of Saco, ME, his niece Jennifer, nephews Jim, John, Andy, and David, his mother-in-law Eileen Chamney, his four step-great granddaughters, and several cousins. One of Bob’s greatest joys was spending time with his great granddaughters Noelle, Alex, Sam, and Tyler and their dedicated grandmother Tammy Serata, Bob Jr.’s wife.
Another great joy for Bob was skiing at Stratton Mountain with his family since 1978. Bob and family also enjoyed hiking, biking, scuba diving, kayaking, and gardening. Bob loved his golf games with friends and was an avid Yankees and Patriots fan. Bob graduated in 1960 from Glen Ridge High School and Norwich University in 1964. He also received an MBA degree from Hofstra University in 1970. Bob served as a LT in the US Army stationed in Amberg, Germany, in 1965-1966, and two years in the Army Reserves on Long Island, NY. Bob was particularly involved with Norwich University Alumni, organizing class clubs, reunions, and serving on three boards since 1992. Bob and his close classmates felt a strong bond together and with the University. This year is the 55th reunion year for the Class of 1964. Bob started his career with Mobil Oil in New York as a marketing and real estate representative. This led to Bob’s long-term involvement with real estate development: regional malls, ambulatory health care facilities, and later as a broker in commercial real estate. Bob is also a member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, serving on two committees and volunteering as a tutor. He has been a member of several not-for-profit community agencies and service clubs.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Norwich University in Northfield, VT. If you wish to visit with the family and pay your respects, a visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10th from 1-3pm at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
Another great joy for Bob was skiing at Stratton Mountain with his family since 1978. Bob and family also enjoyed hiking, biking, scuba diving, kayaking, and gardening. Bob loved his golf games with friends and was an avid Yankees and Patriots fan. Bob graduated in 1960 from Glen Ridge High School and Norwich University in 1964. He also received an MBA degree from Hofstra University in 1970. Bob served as a LT in the US Army stationed in Amberg, Germany, in 1965-1966, and two years in the Army Reserves on Long Island, NY. Bob was particularly involved with Norwich University Alumni, organizing class clubs, reunions, and serving on three boards since 1992. Bob and his close classmates felt a strong bond together and with the University. This year is the 55th reunion year for the Class of 1964. Bob started his career with Mobil Oil in New York as a marketing and real estate representative. This led to Bob’s long-term involvement with real estate development: regional malls, ambulatory health care facilities, and later as a broker in commercial real estate. Bob is also a member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, serving on two committees and volunteering as a tutor. He has been a member of several not-for-profit community agencies and service clubs.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Norwich University in Northfield, VT. If you wish to visit with the family and pay your respects, a visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10th from 1-3pm at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com