Obituary of Robert Behlman

NAUGATUCK – Robert (Bob) Harris Behlman Sr., 86 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 13, 2016. He was the beloved husband of the late Linnea Edith (Ostrom) Behlman. Mr. Behlman was born April 1, 1930 in Naugatuck, the son of the late Franklin Sr. and Anna (Quinn) Behlman. Mr. Behlman is survived by his son Robert "Bud" Behlman, Jr. and his wife JoAnn of Woodbury; his daughters Cindy Russo and her husband Tom of Cheshire, Jessica, Sara, Elizabeth, Laura, and Megan Seeger and her husband Greg. She also loved and is survived by her grandchildren John Russo and his wife Deanna, Tiffany, Lindsey, Caleb, Emily, Joshua, Ahdem, Ava, Camden and Austin; and great grandchildren, Anabelle, Angelo and Leonzio Russo, as well as, his sisters Joanne Cipriano and Patricia Bisson and sister-in-law, Phoebe Drown, and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He was a skilled draftsman whose career spanned 38 years in the Bristol Company in Waterbury. He also worked for the Credit Union and G&L Construction. As a young man he umpired for Little League in Naugatuck, coached for the Beacon Valley Grange softball team and managed the Naugy Knights football team. A lifelong Naugatuck resident, he was an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving as Treasurer for several decades. He also served on the New York District Finance Committee. He was Treasurer and Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Waterbury. He was active in the community as a member of the Prospect Song Birds and Beacon Valley Grange for more than 70 years. He was the treasurer of the Naugatuck Council of Churches, as well as, the Naugatuck Refugee Resettlement Committee and Naugatuck Valley Project. Robert (Bob) Behlman is remembered as a man with a positive spirit. He had strong faith, loved his family and was dedicated to helping others. Arrangements - A Memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at the Naugatuck United Methodist Church of Naugatuck, 208 Meadow Street. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Naugatuck and Rhode Island Infantile Paralysis Foundation, 95 Crosswynds Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck is assisting with arrangements.