Robert James Dyer passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023, in Newtown, CT.

Robert Dyer was born on July 28th, 1935, in Danbury, CT to Thomas and Mary Dyer, both immigrants from Ireland, arriving in America around the Great Depression. Robert Dyer graduated from Danbury High School in 1953 and soon after volunteered for the US Army, serving as an infantryman while stationed in Germany with the 6th Infantry Division. Robert Dyer was proud of his service to his country and was grateful to the USA for the opportunities it afforded him and his family.

Upon his honourable discharge from the US Army and after a chance meeting on Ridgewood Golf course while working part time as a caddy, Robert began his career in property and casualty insurance for Good Fellow Ashmore insurance agency in Danbury. He graduated from business school in Philadelphia and worked diligently to build the firm's client base with unwavering honesty, empathetic customer service, and his commitment to problem solving.

Robert believed in equality and treated all his clients with respect regardless of race, economic status or religion and educated his clients with his vast knowledge and expertise. Robert was a guiding light, a hopeful smiling face or a shoulder to lean on for his client base, being by their side in difficult times. Robert injected morality and a hands-on approach into the insurance business in the area and was well recognized and respected among his peers in such organizations as the Danbury Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Danbury Jaycees (Man of the Year 1968), etc.

During this time, Robert met the love of his life Joan Kilmartin (Deceased 4/25/2023) and married in 1964. Both were children of Irish Immigrants and shared a strong faith in Roman Catholicism. Robert and Joan both believed adamantly in the values of teamwork, family loyalty and caring for each other in the good and bad times regardless of the circumstance, which led to 59 years of a productive and fruitful marriage. Robert and Joan lived vicariously through each other, and this obituary would not be accurate without noting both individuals simultaneously for the rest of the duration.

Within a few years of marriage, Robert and Joan began their family of six children starting from 1967 to 1981. Robert and Joan also decided to take on the risk of moving their growing family to Newtown, CT in 1974 to start their own Property and Casualty insurance business. The business was established in a historic house on Main Street in Newtown adjacent to the Flagpole and thrived for almost 35 years.

The business was also made recognizable by Robert's ingenious marketing idea of using a novelty car license plate "RJD", which became somewhat famous around Newtown. Robert was also heavily involved in the Newtown community in Pop Warner Football, Little League Baseball, Big Brothers, Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels, Newtown Food Pantry, etc. while operating the business.

Robert and Joan were also very involved in their children's school and sports activities, only offering kind words of encouragement to their children like 'good game' or 'nice work' despite the actual outcome of the event. Robert and Joan ensured each of their six kids had the same opportunities to grow and prosper. Although Robert would proudly state the fact that he was educated in the streets of downtown Danbury and graduated from the "school of hard knocks" from time to time, Robert, and Joan both strongly encouraged education for their children and were very proud to have put their 6 six children through college with no student loans and also financed some of their grandchildren's education. Robert and Joan also always welcomed their children back home in times of trouble and provided support when needed.

Robert sold the Dyer Insurance business in 2000 and retired in Newtown. Upon retirement, Robert and Joan enjoyed staying active in the Right to Life Organization attending multiple demonstrations and events in CT, NY, and Washington DC. As parents of 6 children, Robert and Joan firmly believed in protecting the sanctity of life for the unborn. Robert and Joan also enjoyed traveling to Europe, volunteering at St. Rose Church, gardening, and spending time with their grandchildren in retirement.

Robert was a quiet and intelligent man who earned the respect and admiration of his family and those around him by his deeds and leading by example. He was an incredible father, husband, business owner and friend paired up with an extraordinary mother, wife, business secretary and friend. Robert and Joan led a wildly successful life of faith and devotion, making the world around them a better place and achieving the American Dream. Robert and Joan truly did life their way without exception. Your children are eternally grateful for your life and will always hold you in our hearts. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

Robert and Joan Dyer are survived by their son Edmund and his wife, Eileen of Smithtown, NY, Mary Dyer of Woodbury, CT, Michael Dyer of Franklin, TN, Patrick Dyer and his wife Karime of Newtown, CT, Thomas Dyer of Galway, Ireland, and Elizabeth Dyer of South Windsor, CT. Robert and Joan Dyer are survived by their eight grandchildren James, Isabelle, and Celina of Newtown, CT, Anna Dyer of Galway, Ireland, Joseph of Smithtown, NY, Jack, Maddie Grace, and Anne Claire of Tennessee.

The family will receive friends at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown CT on Tuesday between the hours of 4 - 7 pm. Funeral Services will be held at St. Rose Church, 46 Church Hill Road., Newtown CT at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 17.