Obituary for Robert M. Hadley, Sr.
Robert (Bob) Hadley Sr., 90, of Newington, CT and recently Acton, MA passed away at his home September 8, 2023.
Bob was born July 29, 1933, in Passaic, NJ to the late Michael and Evelyn (Schweitzer) Hadley. He grew up in Garfield, NJ, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1951. Throughout high school, he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and was able to tour the US performing in exhibitions and competitions. After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served for four years.
Bob met Jean (Sills) Hadley in New York City where she worked as a nurse, and they married in 1956 after he was discharged from the Air Force. They moved to Colorado, where Bob attended the University of Denver. With degree in hand, Jean and Bob returned to New England and Bob worked at Whittlesey and Hadley as a CPA until his retirement.
Bob was able to balance work, family, and fun throughout his life. In his 40’s he learned to play the tenor banjo and developed a life-long avocation. He and Jean played in several banjo bands in New England, including the Elm City Banjo Society, which he directed for many years. He was also a member of the Newington Antique Fire Apparatus club and drove a 1932 hook and ladder truck in many parades in Connecticut. Bob was an avid chess and cribbage player, model train enthusiast, lover of classic movies, and trivia whiz.
Bob and Jean had an active and exciting life traveling across the country in their motor home as well as internationally. While Bob enjoyed travel, he also loved spending summers on Cape Cod. They often hosted family and friends, including a 40-year tradition of Banjo Weekend, where family and friends would gather for 4 days of music and socializing.
Bob was a member of Rotary International, served as District Governor in 1988, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. He was very proud to be involved in many service projects, especially the Polio Plus program. He served on the board of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, as well as the Mortensen Foundation, and was a 32nd degree Mason.
Bob is survived by his daughter Terri Carotenuto and her husband Joe of Acton, MA, his son Bob Hadley Jr. and his wife Mary Niederman of Riverside, RI, and his grandchildren Michael, Max, and Amanda. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his wife Jean and brother Richard Hadley.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (Donate to Connecticut Children's Foundation, Inc. (connecticutchildrens.org Checks, payable to Connecticut Children’s Foundation, may be mailed to: Connecticut Children’s Foundation, PO BOX 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901) or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift ) Please include Bob’s name with your gift.
Bob was born July 29, 1933, in Passaic, NJ to the late Michael and Evelyn (Schweitzer) Hadley. He grew up in Garfield, NJ, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1951. Throughout high school, he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and was able to tour the US performing in exhibitions and competitions. After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served for four years.
Bob met Jean (Sills) Hadley in New York City where she worked as a nurse, and they married in 1956 after he was discharged from the Air Force. They moved to Colorado, where Bob attended the University of Denver. With degree in hand, Jean and Bob returned to New England and Bob worked at Whittlesey and Hadley as a CPA until his retirement.
Bob was able to balance work, family, and fun throughout his life. In his 40’s he learned to play the tenor banjo and developed a life-long avocation. He and Jean played in several banjo bands in New England, including the Elm City Banjo Society, which he directed for many years. He was also a member of the Newington Antique Fire Apparatus club and drove a 1932 hook and ladder truck in many parades in Connecticut. Bob was an avid chess and cribbage player, model train enthusiast, lover of classic movies, and trivia whiz.
Bob and Jean had an active and exciting life traveling across the country in their motor home as well as internationally. While Bob enjoyed travel, he also loved spending summers on Cape Cod. They often hosted family and friends, including a 40-year tradition of Banjo Weekend, where family and friends would gather for 4 days of music and socializing.
Bob was a member of Rotary International, served as District Governor in 1988, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. He was very proud to be involved in many service projects, especially the Polio Plus program. He served on the board of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, as well as the Mortensen Foundation, and was a 32nd degree Mason.
Bob is survived by his daughter Terri Carotenuto and her husband Joe of Acton, MA, his son Bob Hadley Jr. and his wife Mary Niederman of Riverside, RI, and his grandchildren Michael, Max, and Amanda. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his wife Jean and brother Richard Hadley.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (Donate to Connecticut Children's Foundation, Inc. (connecticutchildrens.org Checks, payable to Connecticut Children’s Foundation, may be mailed to: Connecticut Children’s Foundation, PO BOX 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901) or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift ) Please include Bob’s name with your gift.