Robert John Windisch, Sr., 84, of Simsbury, the beloved husband of the late Anna (Vanier) Windisch, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the Governor's House in Simsbury. Born in Hartford on July 9, 1932, son of the late Alois and Wilhelmina (Mautner) Windisch, Robert lived in West Hartford all his life.

Robert was a veteran of the Korean War, proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force. As a founding member of St. Mark the Evangelist Church, in West Hartford, Robert demonstrated his dedication to his parish and his love of music by installing the pipe organ. His passion for woodworking resulted in his ownership of Modern Woodworking, Co., West Hartford, for thirty years. As well as being a devoted husband and father, Robert had a lifelong passion for animals, especially pigeons. He was a member of the Manchester Nutmeg Racing Pigeon Club for many years as well as the Knights of Columbus in West Hartford. He celebrated his heritage as a member of the New Britain Austrian Donau Club, where he frequently visited as a young man, and returned when his granddaughters began dancing. Robert was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees and UConn women’s basketball.

He is survived by his son, Robert Windisch, Jr. and his wife, Stacie of Simsbury; his three daughters, Karen Sickinger and her husband, Richard of Simsbury, Donna Connelly and her husband, Robert of Tolland, and Patty Vaichus and her husband, Charly of Wolcott; sixteen grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Andrew, Meghan, Amy, Stephanie, Caitlin, McKenna, Teagan, Alan, Nick, Rachel, Ben, Brittany, Chris, and Justin; and by his sister Wilma McGlew of Chandler, AZ. Besides his wife of 42 years, he is predeceased by his older brother Carl Windisch.

A special thanks to his friends and compassionate caregivers at the Governor's House.

The funeral procession will be on Thursday, January 19th at 9:00 a.m. from the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford. Burial with military honors will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 18th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the: New England Air Museum Attn: Bob Garguilo, 36 Perimeter Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096. Online condolences please visit: www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com