Woodbury, CT Robert F. Thurston of Woodbury, formerly of Beacon Falls and Naugatuck, died Thursday, January 7th at Waterbury Hospital following a brief illness.

Mr. Thurston was born June 3, 1923 in Waterbury CT, the son of the late Freeman P. and Frances Twitchell Thurston.

Bob was predeceased by two wives, Marjorie S. Howard and Dorothy B. Mayer, and a sister, Ruth Woodfield. He is survived by his son, Freeman P. Thurston and his wife Dorothy, his granddaughter, Catherine H. Thurston and great granddaughter, Maryn Thurston all of Woodbury; his sisters Ellen Thurston of Naugatuck, Sally Ciarlo of Naugatuck, and Blanche Clark of Southington; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob attended elementary school in Pittsfield, Mass. and St. Francis School in Naugatuck. During World War II he served with the US Navy in the south pacific. After returning home he graduated from the Cheshire Academy in 1947 and went to work in the family business D. Thurston's Sons Ice and Oil, where he retired as Vice President many decades later. He also owned and operated a trucking business, Freeman P. Thurston, Inc. along with his son.

Bob enjoyed traveling and his destinations included most of the major European destinations, Bermuda, the Caribbean islands, Washington D.C., Miami Beach, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

Bob loved animals and is predeceased by the family dogs , Petey, Dinah, Suki, Penny, Ernie and Ginger. He is survived by his granddog Ghosty.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation, 366 Main Street Terryville, CT 06786.

To leave messages of comfort for the family, please visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.