Robert Dick

NAUGATUCK - Robert M. Dick, 82, passed away November 30, 2010 at his home.

Mr. Dick was born November 4, 1928 in Waterbury, the son of the late Howard and Gladys (Gilbert) Dick. He was raised in Naugatuck and attended the American School for the Deaf. After graduating from high school, Bob moved to Alaska where he made his home for the next 45 years. When he first arrived in Alaska, Bob held several different jobs which included delivering mail on the Eielson Air Force Base, working on the pipeline and working for the Fairbanks local newspaper as a type setter.

Despite being hearing impaired, Bob received special permission from the Federal Aviation Agency in Fairbanks to take flight instructions. In 1961, Bob soloed and received his pilot's license and flew a float plane for many years.

Bob moved to interior Alaska 100 miles from Fairbanks where he built his log cabin and setup a trapline on Bear Paw River at the mouth of the Kantishna River. In 1978, Bob received the Fabian Carey Trapper of the Year Award from the Interior Alaska Trappers Association.

Bob returned to Naugatuck in 1990 where he continued his hobbies of trapping, hunting and fishing.

Mr. Dick is survived by his sister Doris Aquavia of Naugatuck; his nephew James Aquavia and his wife Linda of New Hartford; his nieces Cheryl Hannigan and her husband James of Southbury, Annette Swirski and her husband Thomas of Prospect and Janice Chisholm of Niantic; as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements - A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday December 4, 2010 at St. Francis of Assisi Church 318 Church St. Naugatuck at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck 201 Meadow St. is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American School for the Deaf 139 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT 06107, VNA Healthcare Hope Team 50 Brookside Drive, Waterbury, CT 06708, or the American Heart Association P.O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492.