Robert R. Nattrass III

Robert R. Nattrass III of Kensington, CT passed away at home on October 7, 2025, at the age of 79.  He was born in New Haven and was the son of Robert and Marion (Longyear) Nattrass.  He was the husband of 36 years to Julia (Galazan) Nattrass.  Bob graduated from West Haven High School and the University of New Haven.  He served in the Navy for four years on the USS Tusk 426 Submarine.  After his navy service he joined the Connecticut State Police in 1972.  His various posts were Troop G, Troop F, Resident State Trooper in Essex and his last assignment was as Sergeant in the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  His time with the CSP is where he made lifelong friends and loved helping people along the way.  After retirement he opened his own fire investigation business and treated the people who worked for him as family.  He was 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of New Haven.

Bob had a remarkable range of interests that brought joy both to himself and to those around him. He was an avid collector, always fascinated by the history and unique stories behind the items he found. His collections were as diverse as his curiosity, reflecting his constant desire to learn and discover new things.

In addition to his love for collecting, Bob was known for his talent as a storyteller. He enjoyed sharing stories about his life experiences, his collections, and the people he met along the way. Anyone who spent time with Bob could attest to his enthusiasm for conversation; he had a gift for engaging others and could easily captivate an audience with his tales, often talking at length if given the opportunity.

Bob and Julie loved to travel.  Some of his favorite places were Vermont, Bermuda, Italy, France and Ukraine.  Also, the annual Longyear cousin's trips were something he looked forward to every year.  Reading, working outside, cheering on the Red Sox or watching The Curse of Oak Island were some of his many interests.  After fully retiring he started playing golf and looked forward to Friday Golf with his Longyear cousins.

Besides his wife Julia, he is survived by his children, Robert Nattrass IV and his wife Charley, Steven Nattrass and his wife Kelly, and his daughter Alexandra Nattrass.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher, Thomas, Emma, Emery, Cole and Ansley.  In addition, he leaves his brother, Ronald Nattrass and his sister-in-law Susan, his sister-in-law Victoria Galazan and brother-in-law Antony Galazan, his nephew Jeffrey and his wife Erin Nattrass and their children, and his nieces Kate Nattrass, Grace Galazan and Ruth Galazan.  He also leaves his many Longyear cousins and his cousin John Rowland. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his in-laws Peter and Violet Galazan.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Susan Haswell of Hartford Healthcare Hospice for her exceptional support and compassionate care provided to Bob and his family during his journey.  Also, Doctor Rajani Nadkarni and her staff at MidState Medical Oncology who provided Bob with great care and comfort during treatment and continuing care after he stopped treatment.  We extend our appreciation to family and friends who consistently provided support through calls, cards, meals, visits, and other forms of assistance.  How blessed we are!

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that is close to your heart.  Bob had many of his own that he donated to and supported, Operation Smile and the Shriner's Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Kensington.  Burial with military honors will follow in South Burying Ground, Kensington.  Calling hours will be held from 9 AM to 11 AM at the funeral home.