Robert E. Dixon, Sr.

Robert E. Dixon Sr., 87, of West Haven, died on May 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Haven on February 24, 1937, a son of the late Claude J. and Mildred (Smith) Dixon. Survived by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Mary Lou (Thompson) Dixon; children Robert (Cathy) Dixon of West Haven, Rosemary McDonnell of West Haven, James Dixon of Middletown, John (Marcia) Dixon of North Haven, Donna (Mark) Bouffard of North Haven, and Dennis (Margaret) Dixon of West Haven; grandchildren Jimmy McDonnell of West Haven, Deb (Julio) Martinez of Meriden, John (Melody) McDonnell of Milford, Justin (Katie) Dixon of Hamden, Britney Dixon of Charlotte, NC, Victoria Bouffard of Boston, MA, and Casey Bouffard of Providence, RI; great-grandchildren Tino, Jake, and Cody Martinez, Aurora Rutkowski, Olivia and Ella McDonnell; as well as brother Paul Dixon of Hamden. Preceded in death by his brother Claude J. Dixon Jr; daughter-in-law Nancy (Twohill) Dixon; as well as great-grandson Odin McDonnell.

While spending twenty-five years working in manufacturing with the Armstrong Rubber Company and later Elliptipar, Bob embarked on a second career as a freelance photographer. His artistic ability noted, Bob was hired to photograph numerous weddings, various sport leagues such as Shore Haven Jr. Baseball and West Haven Biddy Basketball, State Police and Fire Departments along with local precincts, as well as newspapers including the New Haven Register, Journal Courier, and West Haven City News. Aside from his passion for photography, Bob loved the Seattle Seahawks, working on his koi pond, caring for his Bonsai trees, napping with any of the family dogs and most of all, spending time with his large growing family. He will be missed and remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

His memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 1st, at 9:30 a.m., in St. John Vianney Church of St. John XXIII Parish. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to A Place Called Hope Rehabilitation and Education Center for Birds of Prey by visiting www.aplacecalledhoperaptors.com. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert E. Dixon, Sr., please visit our Tree Store.