Robert Allan Finkenzeller, 1950–2026

Robert Allan Finkenzeller, 75, formerly of Middlebury, Connecticut, passed away on August 10, 2026, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his family.

Born October 10, 1950, in Mount Vernon, New York to Howard and Harriet Finkenzeller, Bob grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut with three brothers, Skip, Bill, and Jim. He attended Sacred Heart High School followed by St. Michael's College in Vermont. After graduating, he began working at Eyelet Crafters, a company started by his father. He spent his career there, eventually running the company alongside family and close colleagues.

Bob was a remarkably talented engineer and a natural problem solver who could fix almost anything, earning him the affectionate nickname "Mr. Fix It." He was happiest when he could use his hands and his mind to make something better. Among the many things he built was a little free library in front of his daughter's home, designed to look like the house itself — a small but lasting example of the thoughtfulness and care he put into everything he did.

He had a lifelong love of golf and was a member of the Country Club of Waterbury, where he served as president. He loved the game not only for the competition, but for the friendships made, traditions observed, and time spent with friends and family. Teaching his family to play was one of the many ways he shared something he loved with the people who mattered most. One of his most cherished memories was made on the course with his grandson Eli, winning a golf tournament on Cape Cod as the team "Finkenzeller Flyers".

Bob was a man of quiet strength: soft-spoken, patient, and deeply caring. The kind of person who was always there when his family needed him, and who would do anything for the people he loved. His greatest joy was his family. He was the best partner to his wife Susan, and an amazing dad to their twins, Michael and Dayna. He treasured his time with his grandchildren, whether throwing a football at the beach or cheering them on at a baseball, basketball, lacrosse or soccer game. He never needed to be the loudest person in the room — his kindness and steady presence spoke for him.

Bob is survived by his wife Susan, who was truly blessed to be his other half for 51 years; his children, Dayna and Michael; and his three grandchildren, Eli, Finn, and Emma, who were a tremendous source of pride and happiness to him. He also leaves behind many family members and friends whose lives he deeply touched.

His memory will live on in the lessons he taught, the things he built, the memories made with his family and friends, and, most of all, in the love he gave so freely to those around him.

A mass will be held in Bob's honor on Saturday September 19th, 2026 at 9 o'clock in the morning at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Southbury, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to:

Dana Farber: https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift

St. Vincent De Paul of Waterbury, CT: https://www.svdpmission.org/general-donation

St Jude's Children's Hospital