Robert Bartram, II
Robert Bartram, age 79 of Stamford, CT, beloved husband of Jacqueline Pavia Bartram, son of the late Elizabeth Reilly and Robert Bartram, passed away suddenly on June 14, 2025 Flag Day.
Born December 20, 1945 in Bridgeport, CT, Mr. Bartram lived in Monroe, CT for many years before moving to Stamford in 1999. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army Air Force Base Unit at Wheelus Air Force Station in Tripoli Libya. He traveled the world both while stationed abroad and after, living and raising his family in Brazil and then Connecticut. He worked for Pitney Bowes in Stamford, CT for 30 years and that is where he met Jackie. They worked together every day and both of them being fortunate enough to retire early they spent ever sweet day together until his death traveling light and traveling often.
Bob also holds several business degrees including an MBA and a Masters of International Business. He has lectured at the Harvard Business School, and after retiring at 55 he built a wooden sailboat with Jack Pavia his friend and father in law and also became a University of Connecticut State Master Gardener.
He was an avid craftsman, gardener, artist and intellect, and avid reader. He was fluent in Portuguese and Jackie would ask him to speak to her in Portuguese so others would think she spoke it too.
From his home, known fondly as Brookhouse where they had an open door policy (no need to call just come and enjoy this magical place), to his sailboat named “Giacomo”, furniture making, writing, painting and garden, he put his heart into everything he touched and his love was reflected through everything he created. He was a real life version of “the most interesting man in the world.”
He is survived by his sons Robert Bartram and his wife Sara and Richard Bartram of Nashville, TN; his stepdaughters Jaclyn Pia Wood and her husband Eric Wood of Greenwich, CT and Tami Pia Franco and her husband Thomas Franco of Naples, FL; his sister Sharon E. Bartram of West Haven, CT; and eight grandchildren: Tristan and Riley Bartram of Nashville, TN, Illika and Jaile Bartram of Lima, Peru, Lilah and Ava Wood of Greenwich, CT and Francesca and Pia Franco of Naples, FL. His sister in law Angela Schumann and her husband Gary, many family members and loving friends and his regular golf foursome of Charlie Coleman, Ron Pagliari, and Rob Willox. Bob also had two rescue dogs Cleo and Olive – he loved those two girls.
He was the most incredible man, living a thousand lives with endless stories. He was not only knowledgeable but also thoughtful, interested and curious about everything. If anyone knew the true meaning of life and living it was him. He taught every single person he met something. He led by example, making the world a better place. Mr. Roger’s said, Look for the helpers…. Bob was that and more. He made kitchen tables and benches for Person to Person and would deliver them and humbly leave the South End before the families arrived to get them. He worked on many houses for Habitat for Humanity and every single day of his life he said something nice to someone. Once asked if he could have any special talent what would it be, he wrote “Seeing and wanting and helping people be happy, that would be a talent I would hope for.” He had that talent already. Bob seized every opportunity to show kindness or make a small gesture that could mean the difference to someone, and he loved fiercely and fully and quietly drew everyone into his calm orbit.
He was a wonderful husband, friend, son, father and grandfather and a masterpiece of a human, heading out every day with kindness in his heart. He was loving and compassionate and had a great impact on all those around him and he will be deeply missed.
At his request, there will be no calling hours and at a later date a gathering will be held to celebrate his life. Bob’s cornea, bones, skin, and tissue were accepted from the New England Donor Services. Two of the many charities Bob supported were the Disabled War Veterans and Planned Parenthood.