COUGHLIN-LASTRINA FUNERAL HOME
Robert J. (RJ) Cabelus, 93, of Middlefield passed away Friday, February 5, 2021 after a brief illness. Born in Hartford, RJ was the son of the late Peter and Anna (Teske) Cabelus. Robert was a resident of New Britain before moving to Middlefield in 1959. He attended New Britain High School, Connecticut Teachers' College, and served in the US Army during World War II and the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the telephone company as a lineman before joining the Connecticut State Police. He was Middlefield's Resident Trooper for several years and later organized State Police activities during the Powder Ridge Festival in 1970. He was a training instructor at the CT State Police Academy, mentoring many of Connecticut's finest officers, worked in several barracks across the state, and retired as a Sergeant in 1982. RJ was an active member of the Middlefield Lions Club, having organized many community projects, his most cherished being the Trolley Trail at Peckham Park. His love of music and singing was something he shared with others, whether they wanted him to or not. He tinkered with cars, was an avid reader, loved baseball and football, and played golf, though not as well as he would have liked. Nothing made him happier than getting family and friends together, turning strangers into friends and friends into extended family. He was a jack-of-all-trades and a hero to his children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years Theresa (Bak) Cabelus in 1996 and his beloved dogs, Jack and Lily. He is survived by his children, Barbara Cabelus, Peter Cabelus, Susan (Bruce) Strickland, all of Middlefield, Laura (Matthew) Valeriano of Frankfort, NY, Michael Cabelus and Teresa (Anthony) Montuori of Meriden, and Roberta (Tom) Stange of Arlington, VT, Robbin Cabelus of Middlefield, grandchildren Michael (Elisa) Cabelus, Megan Cabelus, Justin Strickland, all of Middletown, Annelise Montuori of Meriden and great-granddaughter Eleanor Cabelus(Middletown).
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, February 11th at 9 a.m. in St. Colman Church, Middlefield. Burial was in the family plot with full military honors in Middlefield Cemetery, Middlefield. The Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St, Middletown, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations can be made to the Middlefield Lions Club, PO Box 1, Middlefield, CT 06455.
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