Robert, 86, of Sun City West, AZ, passed away on August 9, 2023. Born on May 4, 1937, in Stamford, CT, he was the son of the late Eugene Francis Passaro and Sigfrid (Pedersen) Passaro. During his youth, he shared a passion for fishing, adventures, and assisting at his father’s Service station. He graduated from Stamford High School and pursued Electrical Engineering at the University of Connecticut.
He began his career at Barnes Engineering in CT. His deep knowledge of infrared optics led to patented inventions including a gas analyzer, digital anesthetic analyzer, and infrared thermography temperature control. All these made a positive impact on human health, safety, and the environment. Bob later joined Andros, Inc. in Berkeley, CA continuing work on gas emissions analyzers.
He is survived by his daughters: Carrin Passaro Culotta of West Townsend, MA; Robin Passaro Merrill and husband Peter Merrill of Sudbury, MA; and Deanna Passaro Larson and husband Stephen Bialkowski of North Logan, UT. Also surviving are grandchildren: Cailley, Emma, and Isabelle Culotta; Sydney and Hayden Merrill; and Terry and Laurie Larson. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Passaro and his wife Wendy of Fairfield, CT, and his late wife Joann’s extended family. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joann Faye Strand, sister, Jean Lois (Cookie) Passaro, and son-in-law, Mark Culotta.
Bob will be remembered for his endless curiosity, inventive nature, sarcastic humor, and love for fun, adventure, and the outdoors. As a young adult, he rode a Vespa across Europe and sailed across the Atlantic. With his daughters, he explored many U.S. National Parks and led family adventures driving throughout Central America and Canada. In his retirement years, summers included visits to his daughter Deanna and her family in UT. A devoted and loving husband to Joann, their journey began in CA and sailing in the San Francisco Bay. Later, they settled in AZ, cherishing time with friends and enjoying many RV road trips, including journeys to Baja California and Puerto Peñasco.
A forthcoming memorial service will take place at a riverside location surrounded by the beauty of nature that Dad loved. Please join the family in sharing memories, pictures or videos of Robert on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.
