Robert Stearns Sr., was retired from Heli Coil

Robert C. Stearns Sr., of Danbury, husband of Virginia Bell (McClusky) Stearns, died Jan. 23, 2010, after a long illness.

Mr. Stearns was the son of the late Darrell H. and Gladys (Preston) Stearns. He attended Henry Abbott Technical School.

He was a master machinist at Heli Coil, where he worked for 44 years until his retirement in 1999.

When he was not working, Mr. Stearns enjoyed working on various projects at his home, kayaking on Lake Waramaug and rides into Sherman and Kent.

In addiition to his wife, Mr. Stearns is survived by two sons, Robert C. Stearns Jr., and his wife, Phyllis, of Torrington, and Walter J. Stearns, and his wife, Lisa, of Chaplin; a brother, Darrell H. Stearns Jr.; three sisters, Donna Dixon, of Maine, Nancy Dexter, of Newtown, and Wendy Kozier, of Gaylordsville; and four grandchildren, Emily J. Stearns, Robert Christian Stearns, Kristen M. Stearns and Rachel N. Stearns. He was predeceased by two sisters, Theresa (Ardell) Taylor and Louella Ann Skvorz.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service may be held in the spring.

Hull Funeral Service of Danbury was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20004; to the National Emphysema/COPD Foundation, 128 East Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851; to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190; or to a charity of one's choice.