Robert "Bob" Clinch

October 1, 1931 - March 13, 2022

Robert "Bob" Clinch, husband of Joyce (Chesanek) Clinch died March 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving family members. He was born October 1, 1931, son of James J. and Lucy (Williams) Clinch on John Street in New Britain. He moved to the house on Stanley Street that his grandfather John Hindler bought from Landers, Frary & Clark in 1923 for $2000, where he lived until his death. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the start of the Korean War. He was stationed in Guam with the 20th Air Force 19th Bomb Wing. While there, he was a member of the championship boxing team, fighting as a lightweight welterweight boxer at 139 pounds. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force, the Connecticut Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve and was awarded the Connecticut Wartime Veterans Service Medal. He was a New Britain police officer from 1957-1959, then worked as a correctional officer at the Connecticut School for the Boys from 1959-1962. From 1962 to his retirement in 1989, he was employed at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, where he worked as an inspector and hearing officer before retiring as the Assistant Director. He was a life member of the NRA, Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion, Austrian Donau Club, Interstate Police, Sampson AFB Veterans Association and The Connecticut Gun Guild. He was also a member of St. Joseph Parish and for several years served as the Chief Hearing Officer for the City of New Britain, conducting hearings for parking ticket violations under both the Democratic and Republican administrations. Besides his wife, he leaves his daughter Patricia Clinch Kozikowski (husband Bruce) and daughter Colleen Clinch. He leaves the loves of his life, first grandson Kevin Kozikowski (wife Colleen), who he picked up every day after school from preschool through high school, his one and only granddaughter Kelsey Ann Kozikowski, who he loved to shop with and meet for coffees at Starbucks, as well as his grandson Casey Clinch who shared his love of sweets and jokes. They will all miss their special times with their Grandpa. He also leaves his special nieces Mary and Cecilia Sanders as well as family friends Dave and Debbie Mangone. He was predeceased by his daughter Kerry Beth Mangone and his sister Lucille Sanders. Bob was very involved with politics and served the city of New Britain in several capacities. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bob was a member of the Conservation Commission. He was a member of the Democratic Town Committee and was the moderator for many elections at Vance School. In addition to serving the city on the Parking Ticket Commission, he received the Key to the City in 2018, was the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade New Britain Honoree, and received several proclamations from Mayors Bill McNamara and Timothy Stewart at Veteran’s Day events organized by his daughter Patti at Jefferson School. He was also the recipient of the Hartford Courant Father of the Year Award in 1995, nominated by his daughter Patti. In 2006, he was presented with the Connecticut Secretary of State Public Service Award. He was a Justice of the Peace, marrying many people in central Connecticut and surrounding areas. He loved to drive his 1966 Corvette convertible in the various town parades. He was very proud of his heritage and the city of New Britain, as well as so proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, tag sales and flea markets, antiques and old cars. Bob enjoyed the simple things in life, and he will be dearly missed. Funeral services are Thursday morning 9 to 9:30 AM at Carlson funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 195 South Main Street, New Britain. Burial with military honors will be in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Wednesday 4 to 7 PM at Carlson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations In memory of Robert Clinch may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. For a complete obituary and to share a memory or note of sympathy, please visit www.carlsonfuneralhome.com