Robert R. Quesnette's Obituary
Robert "Bob" Quesnette Sr.: A Life of Service, Adventure, and Laughter
Robert "Bob" Quesnette Sr., a man whose infectious laugh and deep capacity for love enriched the lives of all who knew him, passed away on November 24, 2025, after a life well-lived.
Born on July 26, 1942, in Springfield, Vermont, to Anna Lafko and Rudolph Quesnette. Bob’s foundational years were spent on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the land and the skills to raise crops—talents that would serve him well in unexpected ways later in life. The family moved to East Hartford, Connecticut, in 1957, where Bob attended East Hartford High School.
In 1960, Bob answered the call to service and proudly joined the U.S. Marines, where he dedicated four years of his life and earned the distinction of an Expert Rifleman.
Following his honorable discharge, Bob settled back in Connecticut and embarked on a successful career spanning over 30 years at Hartford Distributors, an Anheuser-Busch distributor in Manchester, CT. Over his three decades there, he held various roles, including salesman, delivery driver, and warehouse staff. Demonstrating the farming skills honed in his youth, Bob was entrusted by his boss to build and tend a garden on the property, a source of pride for him for many years.
A few years after retiring, Bob followed the sun and his adventurous spirit, moving to Tucson, Arizona, with his long-time girlfriend, Carol. This move brought him to his dream job in security at Old Tucson Studios, where he relished the opportunity to "play sheriff." He quickly became a beloved fixture at the Western landmark, meeting visitors from around the globe who were charmed by his authenticity and warmth; he appears in countless videos and photographs shared by travelers. It was in this unique setting that Bob met many movie production staff, and even struck up a friendship with country music legend Willie Nelson while he was shooting a video there.
In a truly fitting celebration of their love, Bob and Carol were married at Old Tucson Studios in 2006, sharing an unforgettable 1880s-style wedding with friends and family.
Bob embraced life with a joyful enthusiasm. He loved camping, the open road on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, traveling, attending country concerts, and Western events. A man who loved to share good times, he was known for his legendary cook-outs and was invariably the life of the party.
Bob is predeceased by his brother, Leon Quesnette, and his daughter, Michelle Martineau.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his loving children, daughter Charlene and her husband, Tim, and son Robert, Jr. and his wife, Lisa; his stepsons, Michael and his wife, Blanca, and Richard and his fiancé, Heidi. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret and Kathleen and her husband, David, as well as 11 cherished grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, along with many beloved nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held in Connecticut on a date to be determined.
As Bob would always say when concluding a conversation:
"Catch you on the Flip Flop."
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