In Memoriam: Robert L. Arata

From the Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home.

Robert Louis Arata, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2016, at the age of 94.

Robert was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 21, 1921 to Louis and Phyllis Kerr Arata. He had a younger sister, Justine. He grew up in Old Greenwich, racing Moth Class sailboats for the Rocky Point Swim Club, and graduating from Greenwich High School.

He attended the University of Connecticut, leaving at the start of WWII. Graduating from the US Merchant Marine Academy, he served on Liberty Ships. His most frequent ports of call were in Russia, Africa and Italy. After the War, he was a Lieutenant in the US Naval Reserve. When the Cold War ended, he was awarded a medal for valor and service from Russia, and was in the first group of Americans invited to the Russian Embassy in Washington DC.

In 1951, Robert married Barbara Louise Larsen. They raised their two children – Phyllis and Jim – in the Old Greenwich and Stamford area. For 28 years, he worked at Machlett Laboratories in the engineering department.

Robert was actively involved in the activities of his children. An Eagle Scout, he was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 44 in Stamford, led Girl Scout camp committees, and served on the PTA of Springdale School in Stamford.

Community-minded, Robert was President of the Stamford Engineering Society, and an active member of the Stamford Mineralogical Society, Junior Achievement Program of SWCT, and Senior Men’s Association of Stamford. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Stamford and on the Board of Trustees. He was one of the first volunteers at the Norwalk Maritime Center, where for over ten years, he introduced thousands of children to the wonders of the sea. A long-time volunteer at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, he was honored by the naming of an exhibit “Bob’s Garden.”

He and his wife traveled extensively, and many of the trips were focused on finding the best snorkeling. He bowled in two local leagues.

Robert was a thinker and fixer, tinker and inventor, salt and fresh water fisherman, a champion rock skipper, and storyteller. He loved the outdoors, watching birds and spending time on the water. Family was paramount to him.

Robert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Arata, and their two children; Phyllis Arata-Meyers and her husband, Robert, of Woodstock, VT; and James Arata of Stamford; and his sister, Justine Arata Robinson of Randolph, VT. He is also survived by his three grandchildren; Lani, Phebe, and Nika; one great-grandchild, Luscian (parents Lani and Kim); three nieces and one nephew.

Donations in memory of Robert can be made to a charity of choice.

A memorial service is planned for the summer of 2016.

Arrangements by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home of Stamford (203)-359-9999.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com