Robert M. "Bob" Spolar, 82, of Southington, formerly of Newtown, died March 19 at Hartford Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Linda (Reilly) O'Connor Spolar for 25 years. He was born on October 8, 1935, in Berwyn, Ill., to the late Emma (Anderson) Spolar Baudino and Frank Spolar.

Mr Spolar proudly served his country as an officer in the US Air Force from 1958 to 1963. He was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University as a standout track and football star. He worked as a credit manager for many years at American National Can, retiring from Daewoo Trading Company as VP of credit and collections. He was a member of the Elks Lodge 1669 in Southington. Mr Spolar loved to fish and spend time on his favorite local lakes and his annual fishing trip to Lake George, N.Y., with family and friends. He was a devout Dallas Cowboys fan having lived in Texas for many years at the start of his career.

Mr Spolar was known as the rock to his entire family and was always there for advice, guidance, and a consummate voice of reason. His wisdom and perspective on things was tempered and balanced and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

His loved ones say he was more than just a great man, he was affectionately referred to by his step-children as "Big Bob" and to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Papa," "Grandpa," and "Pop." His patience, tolerance, and support of his immediate and extended family following his marriage to Linda was without a doubt more than he ever bargained for. He was always there through crazy times; family hardships, including loss of loved ones; and the countless life milestones he made every attempt to attend - a testament to the man they came to know and love.

Mr Solar's love for boating and water skiing will live on indefinitely through all of those he expertly and patiently taught to ride behind the yellow banana boat. His family is forever grateful for his willingness to pack up the car, truck, or trailer and deliver anything to family near and far.

His two sons, Bryan Spolar of Montana and Charles Spolar of New Milford, and five stepchildren whom he treated as his own, Erin Mancino and her husband Gary of Southington; Robert O'Connor,  Colleen O'Connor, and Patrick O'Connor and his wife Nancy, all of Rochester, N.H.; and Terence O'Connor and his wife Katie of Meriden, survive him. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a cousin, and a longtime friend and fishing buddy.

Mr Spolar's self-proclaimed favorite grandson, Jeremy Joseph Becker, predeceased him.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, March 24, from 11 am to 2 pm, at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 South Main Street, Plantsville, with a funeral service after, followed by military honors. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

For online condolences, visit plantsvillefuneralhome.com.