Final Salute

Robert “Bob” Loveland, 97, of Bristol, CT, son of Harold and Ethel (Belmar) Loveland peacefully passed away on March 07, 2026, surrounded by family.

An extraordinary man, Bob was born on May 28,1928. He grew up on his family farm for twenty years, served in the US Navy Reserve (Seabees) during World War II, came home to marry the love of his life, Eleanor and started his family.

Bob and Ellie were partners in the building business, loved square dancing on the weekends, traveled extensively, and were faithful parishioners of First Congregational Church for over seventy years.

Best known as “Bob the Builder,” his passion was rooted in carpentry. He built more than three hundred houses in his lifetime and was often found helping his community and church with renovations.

Leaving behind a legacy of hard work, Bob believed the best lessons were taught on the job where all four sons learned the trade. He taught that a balance of work, leisure, and family was important and he took time to visit his sister in Florida with the family each winter.

Bob truly enjoyed taking his grandchildren boating on Lake Pocotopaug, where he water skied until he was seventy, played card games and made blueberry pancakes at the family cottage.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor, his first-born son, Ronald, and his siblings, Dorothy Ptomey, Evelyn Barrett and Lawrence Loveland. Bob is survived by Victoria (Ron), Ed (Jean), Jack (Erin), Kenny, his 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren as well as much loved extended family.

Bob will be honored at the First Congregational Church, 31 Maple St., Bristol, CT, at 1 pm on March 14. 2026. Please meet directly at church. Burial with military honors will follow in West Cemetery, 46 Pound St. Bristol.

Calling hours will take place at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Belleview Ave. in Bristol, on March 13, 2026, from 5-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Bristol, 31 Maple St. Bristol, CT 06010. Please visit Bob’s memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.