Robert D. Banks OBITUARY

Robert D. Banks OBITUARY

Robert Dean Banks, age 82, of Bristol, CT, passed away on January 7, 2025. Robert was born on January 20, 1942, son of Winthrop and Helen Clark Banks. He graduated from Bristol Central High School. He attended General Motors Institute GMI and the University of Connecticut UCONN. Robert’s professional career in the restaurant business included being manager of the Red Coach Grill for many years at their restaurants near Boston, MA, Cincinnati, OH, and New Haven, CT. Other well-known restaurants where he worked included Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, MA, Anthony’s Pier Four in Boston, MA, and the Inn at Mill River in Stamford, CT where he enjoyed meeting famous customers including Paul Neuman and President Bill Clinton. Robert was an avid reader and had a passion for reading history books including biographies of our founding fathers and American presidents. After reading history books, he could accurately retell the facts in an interesting manner to make the important events of U.S. history come alive. His niece, Kelly, said she learned more about history from her uncle Bob than from her history teachers. Robert enjoyed skiing and playing golf. He played golf with his brother Jeffrey and sister Betsy on golf courses in Connecticut and on Cape Cod. He enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod and spending every Christmas season at his brother Jonathan’s home in Harwich, MA. Robert is survived by his sister Elizabeth Banks of Bristol, CT, brother Jonathan Banks and wife, Lori of Harwich, MA, niece Kelly and husband, Jeremy Hurst of South Dennis, MA and their two children, Carter and Meadow. He is also survived by his former wife Roberta Banks and her two children, Michael and Diane. He is also survived by his nephew Robert Banks of Harwich, MA. Robert was predeceased by his brother Jeffrey Banks of Bristol, CT. Robert was also predeceased by his niece Renee Watkins and survived by her two children Sarah and William Watkins. Robert is survived by several cousins in Connecticut and Massachusetts. We would like to extend our thanks to all the nurses and healthcare workers at Sheriden Woods for giving Robert the best of care during his extended stay. We would also like to thank the hospice nurses for their kind care of Robert and contact with the family. There are no services and there will be a private family burial at West Cemetery in Bristol, CT in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name can be made to the Prospect United Methodist Church, 99 Summer Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Funk Funeral Home, Bristol, is honored to serve the family. Please visit Robert’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.