Obituary of Robert F. Urbanec

Robert Francis “Bob” Urbanec, 82, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018, peacefully at home in the presence of his loving wife, Barbara, and his three adored daughters, from a painful battle with cancer.  He was born on May 19, 1935 to Mamie Johnson Urbanec and Frank Joseph Urbanec in Hartford, Connecticut.  He was a lifetime resident of East Hartford.  He and Barbara were “snowbirds” and also lived in Corkscrew Woodlands in Estero, FL for 6 months out of the year for 30 years. He was born into a family of tobacco farmers and worked as a young child on the family tobacco farms for many years in Glastonbury and East Hartford.  He was proud to serve his country as a Veteran of the United States Army serving from 1957-1959 and was stationed in Fort Benning, GA and then Bamberg, Germany where he was a master tank driver.  After being discharged from the Army, he worked as a skilled heavy equipment operator for Morway Construction of Glastonbury and remained in the construction field until retirement. He loved being outdoors and was an avid camper and took his family on many enjoyable adventures over the years in his travel trailer or his motorhome.  In 2007 Bob and his wife traveled across the country for two months in their motorhome.  Many good memories were made from that special trip.  They also enjoyed many wonderful cruises.  He loved to plant a garden in the spring and enjoyed working in his yard keeping it in pristine condition. He leaves his devoted, loving wife, Barbara Wensel Urbanec, of 60 years.  He also leaves his three loving daughters, Susan Urbanec Pettinato and her husband John of Willington, Linda Urbanec of Rocky Hill and Robin Urbanec of Middletown.  He was predeceased by his sister, Joan Urbanec Morway.  He leaves two nephews, John Morway of Glastonbury and Frank Morway of East Hartford.   He also leaves several cousins and many special friends from Connecticut as well as Florida. Mulryan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and there will be no calling hours as requested by the family.   A burial will take place at a later date as well as a memorial service and celebration of Bob’s life. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, CT. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.