In Memoriam: Robert D. Gott

From the North Haven Funeral Home.

Robert D. Gott, 70, of Branford, passed away on February 27, 2016 at home with his family by his side after a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born January 29, 1946 in Troy, New York to the late Lester and Alice Bitinas Gott.

He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Judy Merkel Gott. Rob also leaves a son, Christian Gott of North Branford, and a daughter, Kelly (Eric) Golia of North Branford; five grandchildren: Becki, Meghan and Lindsay Golia, and Onna and Samuel Gott. Also his timid pal, his cat, Joey.

Rob was a graduate of the Salisbury School and Syracuse University and the owner of Branford Business Forms for 35 years. A believer in community service, he was chairman of the Republican Town Committee for 10 years, a Justice of Peace for 25 years, and at the time of his passing, a Police Commissioner for the past 12 years.

He also was the Managing Partner for the Gott Family Partnership which is dedicated to the ongoing success and longevity of the property owned by the Partnership on Gotts Island, Maine. Rob considered Gotts Island almost heaven on earth after vacationing almost 40 years there. Rob was an enthusiastic golfer having played in 15 states and five countries. He also was an avid follower of Syracuse University athletics, UConn athletics, the Boston Red Sox, and NY Giants football.

Special thanks to the staff at the Smilow Cancer Hospital and the Connecticut Hospice for their compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, North Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Branford, at 12 p.m. the same day. His ashes will be buried on Gotts Island, Maine in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local chapter of the ASPCA or to Smilow/Hospice.