Obituary for Robert P. "Bobby" Cormier
Robert “Bobby” Cormier, 55, of Springfield, MA, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep from natural causes at home on July 26, 2019. Bobby was born in Hartford, CT, to Jean Casey Cormier and Paul Phillippe Cormier. Bobby graduated from Bristol Central High School in 1982 and went on to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York City and Central Connecticut State University.For many years Bobby worked as a residential counselor and group-home coach in the Springfield area, assisting individuals with disabilities. Bobby also volunteered for the Springfield Public Library.
He leaves behind his mother Jean and her partner Phil; his father Paul and his wife Linda; his brother Ken Cormier and wife Emily; his nephews Theodore and Charles Cormier; his aunt Michelle “Mickey” Cormier; his aunt Lynette Cormier; his uncle Gerald “Jerry” Cormier and aunt Denise; his aunt Elinor (Casey) Eastman; his uncle William “Bill” Casey and his aunt Joanie.Bobby also leaves behind several cousins and many close friends.
Music was one of Bobby’s passions. At the age of seven he began to play the bass drum in the Col. John Chester Fife and Drum Corps and went on to be a Northeastern States Champion bass drummer. In addition to the bass drum, Bobby played piano, keyboard, guitar, and percussion. Bobby’s music was remarkable for its inventive use of sound and wildly imaginative lyrics. Bobby also produced music with several groups in Connecticut and around New England.
Bobby was a visual artist, poet, songwriter, music producer, Brian Wilson & Bob Dylan superfan, pop-culture aficionado, and font of music, film, and art knowledge. Bobby was also a dedicated LGBTQ activist, steadfast vegetarian, and cat lover. Bobby will be remembered for his kind heart, unique wit, warm nature, and brilliant sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PFLAG Hartford, P.O. Box 230733, Hartford CT, 06123. Calling hours/services will be held at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT, on Saturday, August 3, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.
He leaves behind his mother Jean and her partner Phil; his father Paul and his wife Linda; his brother Ken Cormier and wife Emily; his nephews Theodore and Charles Cormier; his aunt Michelle “Mickey” Cormier; his aunt Lynette Cormier; his uncle Gerald “Jerry” Cormier and aunt Denise; his aunt Elinor (Casey) Eastman; his uncle William “Bill” Casey and his aunt Joanie.Bobby also leaves behind several cousins and many close friends.
Music was one of Bobby’s passions. At the age of seven he began to play the bass drum in the Col. John Chester Fife and Drum Corps and went on to be a Northeastern States Champion bass drummer. In addition to the bass drum, Bobby played piano, keyboard, guitar, and percussion. Bobby’s music was remarkable for its inventive use of sound and wildly imaginative lyrics. Bobby also produced music with several groups in Connecticut and around New England.
Bobby was a visual artist, poet, songwriter, music producer, Brian Wilson & Bob Dylan superfan, pop-culture aficionado, and font of music, film, and art knowledge. Bobby was also a dedicated LGBTQ activist, steadfast vegetarian, and cat lover. Bobby will be remembered for his kind heart, unique wit, warm nature, and brilliant sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PFLAG Hartford, P.O. Box 230733, Hartford CT, 06123. Calling hours/services will be held at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT, on Saturday, August 3, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.