Robert D. Elles, 74, of North Branford, died peacefully at his home on Aug. 28, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was the beloved husband and best friend of 44 years to Marilou Smith Elles. Robert was born on Nov. 11, 1937 in Evansville, Indiana, son of the late Wilbur M. and Georgia Dean Elles.  He received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati and worked in structural steel for his entire professional career.  He had recently retired from United Steel in East Hartford and had done private consulting prior to his illness. 

Robert was an active member and faithful parishioner of Zion Episcopal Church, where he served as the treasurer and minister of communion for many years. He devoted a great amount of his time and energy serving others and was instrumental in raising local awareness and participation in the Shoreline Crop Walk for Hunger.

Robert will be remembered as a man who loved his family and friends, worked hard, and was devoted to his church.  He was a patient, sincere, kind, and giving person who will be missed by all who knew him.

Robert’s family thanks the staff at the Smilow Cancer Center (Guilford and New Haven) and the Connecticut Hospice for the exceptional care provided to Robert.  The family is especially grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion provided by Dr. Wajih Zaheer of Smilow and by Debbie Salkins of the Connecticut Hospice throughout the entirety of Robert’s fight against cancer.

Besides his wife, Robert is survived by his four loving daughters, Kristin Elles of North Branford, Jennifer Elles Jones and her husband Wallace of Killingworth, Wendy Elles and her partner Erika Dayton of Montpelier, Vermont, and Susan Elles of Branford; his son-in-law, Robert Cadwell of North Branford; and five grandchildren who cherished him, Ryan Cadwell, Abigail and Owen Jones, and Jay and Naderson Dayton.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother William. 

Visitation will be held at the Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, on Friday, Aug. 31, between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at Zion Episcopal Church, 326 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion Episcopal Church, 326 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, CT 06471, or to Smilow Cancer Center online at http://www.giveclosertofree.org/donate, or mail to Closer to Free Fund, PO Box 7611, New Haven, CT 06519-0611.  Condolences may be expressed online at www.keenanfuneralhome.com.