In Memoriam

Robert J. Kalbaugh, age 59, of Sandy Hook, CT passed away peacefully at home sitting on the back patio watching the birds, on the beautifully sunny afternoon of July 13th, 2023. Rob passed away after a very courageous 16-month battle with cancer.

Rob was born in Huntington, Long Island to Robert D. Kalbaugh and Marylyn (Meathrel) Kalbaugh. At the age of five Rob’s family moved to Newtown, CT. Rob attended elementary and middle school in Newtown, CT. 4-H became a home away from home for Rob, where he raised, showed, and judged dairy cattle. Rob was a dedicated athlete who played hockey, football, and lacrosse. He spent his high school years at South Kent School in South Kent, CT. Rob went on to achieve his Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Ripon College in Wisconsin. While at Ripon, Rob was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, Delta Omega Chapter. Rob was a dedicated employee of TruGreen, where he gained friendships that remained beyond his retirement in the early months of 2023.

Rob leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Susan (Delohery) Kalbaugh. Rob shared a love story many of us only dream of. In his high school and early college years, Rob dated Susan. After going their separate ways, life brought Rob and Susan back together many years later. Rob married Susan on June 19th, 2010. Rob would tell anyone he met their love story, always sharing that “we have a special kind of love.”

Rob was steadfast in his faith and his dedication to the church. Rob was a member of the Newtown United Methodist Church. Rob was a Stephen Minister Leader, a mentor for individuals working towards confirmation, and a member of the Men’s Club. Rob found peace in nature, and was an avid fisherman. On warm summer days, Rob loved having his feet in the sand and watching the waves with his wife by his side. You could even occasionally catch him chatting with the seagulls. On most evenings Rob spent time on the back patio with his wife quietly waiting for their forest friends to visit, or snuggling in his recliner with his kitties (Richard, Mya, and Casper).

Aside from his wife Susan, Rob is also survived by his son, Alex Kalbaugh, and his three step-children, Zachary FitzGerald (Gina Russo), Ashley FitzGerald and Caitlin FitzGerald. He is survived by members of his extended family – beloved mother-in-law, Nan Delohery, and Susan’s four siblings Andrew (Jodie) Delohery, Beth (Tim) Schult, Dianna Delohery, and Peter Delohery, as well as many other family and friends who will miss him dearly. Rob is pre-deceased by both of his parents, Robert and Marylyn Kalbaugh, his father-in-law Andrew W. Delohery Jr., as well as a few close friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Newtown United Methodist Church – Stephen Ministry, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. Memorial contributions can also be made to South Kent School, 40 Bull’s Bridge Road, South Kent, CT 06785 with checks payable to
South Kent School.