After a peaceful and memorable last summer at his beloved Branford, CT seaside cottage, Robert Dixon Banta, age 90, departed this life on September 24, 2013 at the Connecticut Hospice. Bob was born on December 10, 1922 in New Haven, the son of Marjorie Cone and Edwin Kirkland Banta. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII, becoming certified as a pilot, flight instructor, and engine aircraft repairman. His technical achievement led to a long career in medical equipment installation and maintenance, beginning at the Professional Equipment Co. and culminating at the Hospital of St. Raphael, both in New Haven. In his 1988 retirement letter, he stated, “I’ve always felt that my in-house service at St Raphael’s was beneficial to both the hospital and myself.” Bob was a man of the air and the sea. Throughout his long life, he owned several small planes and an armada of small boats, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Since retiring, he lived the good life, enjoying winters in Florida and summers in Branford. Bob was married to Marie DeSpelder from 1945 until their divorce in 1972. He is survived by his two daughters Susan (John) Tibor of North Haven and Karen Banta (Dan Lombardo) of Westhampton, MA; his granddaughter Tricia Ciaburri-Rodriguez (Miguel); his great-granddaughter Viviana; and his beloved longtime companion Jane Warren. Three of Bob’s five brothers survive him, Harold, Warren, and Paul (Rose), and many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Dino Jr. and brothers Edwin and Donald.
A service of remembrance for Bob will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11 AM at the North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church St. His ashes will be scattered at sea. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name will be gratefully accepted by the United Leukodystrophy Foundation (www.ulf.org) or The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyma.org).