Robert John "Bob" Meister

Robert J. Meister of Venice, FL and Groton Long Point, CT passed away on June 11, 2015. He was born in Englewood, NJ on December 1, 1926 to Alwina (Esper) and John Meister. He graduated from Tech High School in Springfield, MA in 1944 and then enlisted in the Navy. He was a Navy Corpsman and ""Honor Man"" (Aide to the Commander). Upon discharge he attended American International College in Springfield, MA and earned a Bachelors Degree. Bob was a life long sports fan and avid golfer. He was a devoted father to his five children and taught all of his kids to ski at Springfield Ski Club in Blanford, MA. He also coached all of his boys in Little League. A born salesman, he had a 40 year career in housewares. When he"" retired "" he went on to co-own Good Hearted Bears in Mystic, CT with his wife, Gloria, and daughter, Heidi, for 29 years. He was known to all in Mystic as ""Papa Bear."" Bob had a 50 year membership with the Melha Shrine in Springfield, MA and was in the Highlander Unit. He was also a long standing member of the Elm Belcher Masonic Lodge in Agawam, MA. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gloria; his sons Steven W. Meister of Springfield, MA, Robert L. Meister (Annie Sharples) of Mystic, CT, Gregory A Meister (Lauren Wilson) of Eagle, CO, Christopher S. Meister and his wife Cynthia Ann of Gypsum, CO and daughter Heidi Meister (Theodore Frant Jr) of Groton Long Point, CT and Venice, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren Steven D. Meister and Rachael McGuire, his sister, Winifred Balboni of Westport, CT and nephews John and Jason Williams. No services are scheduled at this time but there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children at www.Donate2SHC.org or 1-800-241-4438 Service Information