It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Robert J. Comrie of Mystic, CT — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Robert spent his working life as ['landscaper while building a house for himself and his future wife', 'Electric Boat for thirty years primarily in Groton', 'Union College in Schenectady for several years'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Grief is love with nowhere left to go.
Robert John Comrie passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026 at his home in Mystic from natural causes.
Son of John Comrie and Amelia Panciera, he was born in 1933 in New London. Bob lived a long life marked by devotion to his family--his wife Elace; his sons Scott and Tim; Scott's wife Sally and Tim's wife Cheryl; his four grandsons, Matthew, Mason, Ethan, and Michael; his brother Leonard and his wife Margaret; brothers-in-law Asa Pollard and Richard King; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brothers Kenneth and Raymond.
He treasured his family deeply and found great meaning in being a husband, father, and grandfather. His presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will remain a source of strength and affection for generations to come. Those who knew him best will remember his upbeat mischievous nature, his good common sense, and the way he never held back his opinions.
Bob was proud of his service in the Navy as a Machinist's Mate on the troop transport USS General H. W. Butner (T-AP-113) and would say he traveled more than 280,000 miles during his service, visiting twenty-nine ports. After returning to Mystic, he worked as a landscaper while building a house for himself and his future wife. He worked for Electric Boat for thirty years primarily in Groton, as well as locations in Idaho, New York, and New Hampshire. After retiring from Electric Boat, he worked at Union College in Schenectady for several years.
Bob built a life rooted in hard work and independence. He built three houses, renovated five others, and understood the value of effort and the importance of getting things done properly. Most of all, Bob loved his family--camping and traveling with his children and grandchildren. Moving, living, and exploring different parts of the country were exciting adventures to him.
He will be remembered with love and respect by his family and friends, and his memory will continue to live on in the stories, lessons, and examples he leaves behind.
His family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 14th from 10-12 at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A service will follow the calling hours at noon at the funeral home. Bob's burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
