Robert Norman Ecsedy, 88, of Newtown died peacefully at his home January 2, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Mary Bodo Ecsedy and Joseph Ecsedy.

Mr Ecsedy was a graduate of Roger Ludlow High School in Fairfield, and served in the US Navy during World War II. He married Betty Ann Keane in 1957, and moved to Newtown, where they raised their family of seven children and resided for the last 57 years.

He received a BS in chemistry from the University of Bridgeport, and enjoyed a successful career selling industrial products throughout the Northeast. Mr Ecsedy was the founder of Bobbex Inc, where he successfully developed and marketed environmentally friendly repellents for deer and other animals.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and observing wildlife. He is a past president of the Fairfield County Horticultural Society, and a strong supporter and contributor to the Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury.

Seven children and their spouses, Susan and Brian McCall of Fairfield, Judi Ecsedy and husband Paul Perry of Milford, Thomas and Michelle Ecsedy of Woodbury, Christopher and Donna Ecsedy of Mansfield Center, Gregory and Kelly Ecsedy of Southbury, Eileen and Thomas Robertson of North Billerica, Mass., and Jeffery Ecsedy and wife Lorelei Mucci of Newton, Mass.; 14 beloved grandchildren, Jennifer and Kirsten Carr, Tim McCall, Mikayla Perry, Aiden Robertson, Stephen, Kelly, Daniel, Colleen, Caitlin, Kevin, Ethan, Benjamin, and Kayleigh Ecsedy; his brother Mark Ecsedy; his sister Robin Ecsedy; and his brother-in-law Peter Pizaretz and his wife Pat, survive Mr Ecsedy. His wife, Betty Ann Keane Ecsedy; his sister Margret Harrison; and his in-laws Barbara Robert and Keane, and Doris Keane Pizaretz predeceased Mr Ecsedy.

Calling hours will be at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallager & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, from 4 to 8 pm, Tuesday, January 6. A Mass and burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Wednesday, January 7, at St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown. Interment will follow at Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Connecticut Bent of the River Audubon Society at http://bentoftheriver.audubon.org/.

Online condolences may be made at www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com.