Robert John Shopey Sr., 86, of New Port Richey, Florida, formerly of Winsted, Connecticut, peacefully passed away at home on April 6, 2026.

Born on June 8, 1939, in Forestville, Connecticut, Robert was the son of Dennis and Jennie Shopey. As a child, he moved with his family to Winsted, where he was raised and became a lifelong part of the community. He graduated from The Gilbert School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force as a disabled veteran. During his years of service, he worked on the F-101 Voodoo aircraft as a radar technician, known as a “VooDoo Medicine Man,” while stationed in Colorado and Massachusetts, including Otis Air Force Base.

After his military service, Robert worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford before joining the family business, Egan Machine Corporation, where he served as Quality Control Manager until his retirement. He later moved to New Port Richey, Florida, with his beloved wife, Jessica Shopey, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage.

Robert believed deeply in giving back. He dedicated countless hours to the Town of Winchester and the Winsted community through his work with the Laurel City Commission, Economic Development Commission, Republican Town Committee, and as Chairman of the Winchester Housing Authority. His service to the town was so deeply valued that a monument stands in recognition of his dedication to the community. He also served as a board member for the Winsted Area Child Care Center, where the children knew him as “Bob the Builder” as he helped secure grant funding for the facility on Prospect Street. He was also a life member of Winsted Elks Lodge #844, a life member of Saint Andrew’s Lodge No. 64, A.F. & A.M., an honorary member of the Winsted Fire Department Niagara Engine Co. #3, a member of the Winsted Safety Council, a member of the Boy Scouts of America, a soccer coach for the Winsted Recreation Department, and a faithful member of both the First Church of Winsted and the Colebrook Congregational Church.

Robert’s legacy of service lived on through his family and the many lives he influenced. His son, a former Fire Chief, and all three of his grandchildren followed in his footsteps through service with the Winsted Fire Department. His grandsons, Robert and William, also continued the family’s military tradition through service in the United States Air Force with the 103rd Airlift Wing. His lifelong example of dedication, compassion, and community service continued to be reflected in the lives of those he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jessica; his son, Robert John Shopey II (Rebecca) of Winsted, Connecticut; his daughter, Linda Russell (Kent) of Moncks Corner, South Carolina; and his daughter, Amy Fields (Aaron) of Ellijay, Georgia. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Robert John Shopey III, Ashley Dafgek, and William Thomas Shopey, all of Connecticut.

Robert was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Sophia, Lucas, and William II, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Catherine Shopey Mangle, Suzanne Shopey Heath, and Denise Shopey Hazard Lawson; and his brother, Daniel Egan Shopey.

Robert enjoyed skiing, volunteering for his community, playing board games with his family, and gathering with his friends from the Saturday Breakfast Club. He also found great joy in serving as a ski instructor for the Special Olympics ski team. He shared a special bond with his dog, Odie, whose companionship meant the world to him.

To know Robert was to know a man of service, strength, humor, loyalty, and heart. His love for his family, his town, his country, and his friends was evident throughout his life. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched.