Robert Zaczek

Robert Zaczek, 72, of Higganum, Connecticut, husband of Tessie (Sacorafos), father of Benjamin, Catherine, and Stephanie, passed away September 10, 2023, surrounded by his family at Hartford Hospital. Born April 3, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Mildred and Phillip Zaczek, brother of Theresa and Philip.

Robert attended Archbishop Curley High School, Towson University, and Johns Hopkins University, where he earned his Ph.D. in pharmacology. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Addiction Research Center of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, then went on to work for DuPont Pharmaceuticals. Later he served as the executive director of psychiatry drug discovery at Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Chief Scientific Officer at NeurOp.  He loved good food, watching football on the weekends with his hard pretzels and cider, making furniture, carving wood, and playing videogames- a hobby which he was sure to introduce to his children at an early age. Nothing gave him more satisfaction than to spend the day out in the woods cutting down trees, splitting wood, and stacking it for the winter. He cared for his fruit trees, was always making improvements to his yard and home, and was a pillar of support and a willing ear for his family whenever they needed it. Few things mattered more to him than his family, and he hated to see them sad or to see them worry. He provided for them and prepared the way for them, so that they would have an easier life than he did. He was quick with a joke or a gag, which were rewarded either with a laugh or an eye roll but were appreciated either way. There are no words to adequately express the depth of love he had for his family and his family has for him.

Along with his wife and children, Robert is survived by his daughter-in-law Daniela Zaczek, his granddaughter Maialen Zaczek, and his dog Watson.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, and siblings.

Calling hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at St. John’s Church in Cromwell at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield. Services will be followed by a luncheon.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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