Obituary: Robert (Bob) Drobish

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Drobish, who died peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving wife and three children. He was born on January 16, 1936, in New Haven, Connecticut.

Bob shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his college sweetheart and beloved wife, Marian (Riggio). Longtime residents of Orange, Connecticut, they raised their family in the home Bob helped his father build, creating a life rooted in love, loyalty, and unwavering support. A devoted father and steady role model, Bob was the heart of his family.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Robert K. and Denise Drobish; Diana (Dee Dee) and Carl Dahlman; and Andrea and Robert Kennedy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Francesca (Riggio) Scarpa and her husband Gary; nieces Mia and Gina Scarpa, Tracey Scalzo, and Patty Sherman. He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Marian Drobish; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Sandra Drobish; and his nephew Ronald Drobish.

Known lovingly as “Poppy,” Bob took immense pride in his grandchildren: Carter, Cooper, and Hogan Dahlman; Brayden, Kaylee, and Tanner Drobish; and Ryan and Grace Kennedy. He was present for it all—football and lacrosse games, dance recitals, and theater performances—always cheering, encouraging, and celebrating their achievements.

A proud resident of Orange for more than 50 years, Bob was honored as a “Living Treasure” by the Town of Orange, received the Phil Harris Community Award from the Rotary Club, and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Club International. These honors reflected his decades of service and leadership with the Orange Lions Club, Orange Little League and Babe Ruth programs, Orange Players, Knights of Columbus, and Holy Infant Church.

Bob enjoyed 35 years of retirement following a successful career as Registrar at Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities. A respected administrator and former union president, he helped shape policies that remain in place today.

He loved UConn women’s basketball, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, and, most of all, spending time with those he loved. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and deep commitment to family and community, and his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Split Rock Assisted Living for their patience and care over the past few years, and to the extraordinary nursing staff and Hospice at Griffin Hospital for their compassion and kindness.

Calling hours will be held at West Haven Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. On Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Infant Church of Orange, CT.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drobish Family Scholarship Fund online at alumni-friends.southernct.edu/give-online (select “Other” and enter “Drobish Family Scholarship Fund”) or you may contact SCSU Office of Annual Giving at 203-392-7083.

To leave an online message for Bob’s family, please visit our website www.westhavenfuneral.com.