Robert K. Anderson

Robert K. Anderson grew up in East Hartford, CT - the son of the late Arthur H. and Gladys S. Anderson. He was a graduate of East Hartford High School (class of 1947) and the University of Connecticut (class of 1951). Bob proudly served in the United States Army (Intelligence) during the Korean War from August 1, 1951, to July 31, 1959, where he achieved the rank of Corporal E-4 and also made several life-long friendships. He was married to Karen T. Anderson for 36 years and was my father for almost 30 of those years. A one-time pilot, he will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his love of aviation.

From an early age, I can remember going to our local airport in Ellington, CT, with my dad in order to look at the planes and talk to any pilots who might be around. It seems like we spent hours there walking the length of the runway - and truthfully, we probably did. Day trips on the weekend would often be out to eat, followed by just "stopping by" some airport, and vacations were often scheduled around air shows. When I was younger, especially as a pre-teen girl, I remember often being bored to death - with the exception of my 13th birthday, when my dad arranged for me to go up in a small plane and actually help co-pilot. Now, looking back - I remember those times with a certain fondness and would give anything to have some of those moments back. I surprise myself to this day about how many bits of aviation trivia somehow sunk into my head along the way. I think my dad would be proud of that.

My dad had a great sense of humor and was a fantastic "story" teller. He would talk to just about anyone that gave him the time of day - and almost always had a story for the occasion. I'd like to think that somewhere, wherever that may be, my dad is sharing more of his stories with whoever will listen.

In 2001, Bob suffered from the first of two devastating hemorrhagic strokes, and after 10 years of devoted care from his wife, he lost his battle on May 28, 2011. Sadly, Bob missed the birth of his first grandchild, my daughter, Hailey Grace Romanik, by just three days. Although not here in body, we know that Bob lives on in spirit.