Stonington - Robert L. Toft, 89, of Stonington and Rocky Hill, passed away in Mystic on Jan. 29, 2009, after a several-month illness.

He was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Arthur and Ellen (Christianson) Toft. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Following his graduation he took a position at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. In 1966 he became engineering program manager for the JT9D engine for the Boeing 747. In August 1972 he was promoted to engineering program manager for all PWA programs, both commercial and military. He continued in this position until he retired in 1977. A year later he returned to work as the vice president of engineering at the Turbo Power and Marine Division of UTC in Florida. This involved the development of an engine for the Saudi Arabian pipeline. He held this position for several years before retiring again.

As a youth, Bob was an avid model airplane builder, winning several trophies, one on the national level. His designs are still published today in model airplane magazines. In his adult years, his interests were boating, photography, and home construction.

He was a member for more than 50 years of the Rocky Hill Congregational Church and served on various boards and committees. He was also a member of the Rocky Hill Board of Education.

He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur Toft Jr.

Bob leaves his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Joyce; a daughter, Marcia Rush and her husband, Tom, of Portland; a son, Richard and his wife, Dolores, of San Antonio, Texas; and a son, Douglas and his wife, Sara, of Rocky Hill. He also leaves his former daughter-in-law, Catherine Hinckley of Chaplin; his six grandchildren, Jennifer Ladegard and her husband, Jason, Katie Mikkola and her husband, Benjamin, and Ashley Toft, all of Connecticut, and Garrett Toft, Erik Toft, and Geoffrey Michlik, all of Las Vegas, Nev.; a great-grandson, Jackson Robert Ladegard; as well as several nieces and nephews. His beloved family!

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Bob's life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.

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