Robert S. Zirlis, Sr., 75, of East Haven passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Barbara Lucibella Zirlis. Bob was born in New Haven on December 16, 1944 and was the son of the late Joseph V. and Bertha Prusinski Zirlis. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, West Haven where he played football; he and his entire football team were inducted to the Notre Dame Sports Hall of Fame. Bob was a graduate of the Paier College of Art and was self-employed as owner of Designs Unlimited. Previous he was the head of the art department for the Olin Corporation. Always a sports enthusiast, Bob enjoyed coaching youth football, basketball, and softball. He enjoyed hunting, golfing and bowling but most loved spending time with family. Father of Kim Colapietro (Sal), Robert S. Zirlis, Jr. (Gina) and Krista Biehl. Grandfather of Pasquale (P.J.), Sophia and Giovanni Colapietro, Robert J., Ava and Alana Zirlis, Michael and Matthew Biehl. Brother of Joseph V. Zirlis, Jr. (Jane).
The visiting hours will be Wednesday, Sept. 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Thursday morning, Sept. 17th at 9:15 to St. Michael’s Church, New Haven for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery
Saying goodbye for the last time is always the hardest especially to a man who always had a smile and a quick joke. We had many great times together over the many years of our close friendship.You will be deeply missed. With all our love Al and Valerie
Rob and Family,
My deepest and sincere condolences for the loss of your father. May our Lord and Savior continue to comfort you all throughout this difficult time. Peace be with you always. 🙏🏾☮️🕯✝️🕯💟🙏🏾
Living out of town I will be joining you at prayer . My one hour of adoration to the Blessed Sacrament this Fridsy at noon to 1 will be celebrated for the repose of Bob’s soul.
May he rest peacefully.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Bob will be missed and loved by many. Hugs and much love to all of you.
Barbara, Kris, Kim and Robbie
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of your father to cherish. He was such a wonderful human and this is a huge loss to so many that knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Kelly
Rob and family:
Very sorry to hear of Dad’s passing; he was an invaluable member of the ND Golf Open committee for years and a pleasure to work with, not to mention a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steve Kirck
ND ‘64
I was not a close friend of Bob but a Notre Dame 1963 classmate. I remember he was a very big guy in high school but as gentle as a kitten. He took the time out to call me for several class reunions. I truly appreciated his friendliness when he saw me. We may not have been close friends in this world but I am sure he is praying for my family and yours in heaven.
I also remember him as giant-but-gentle.
It must have been so hard for his family
& friends to go through his diabetic com-
plications, but these revealed his resilience
& character for us all to admire & emulate.
My condolences to all affected by his loss,
Bill Vollero, NDHS’63
My condolences to Rob and his family on the passing of your dad.
Cousin, Dotty
Barbara, Kris, Kim and Rob
So sorry to hear about Bobs passing. We fondly remember the years at St. Michaels School and the nights we endlessly playing Pinochle. Also remember the “camping “ trip we had to your mobile home. We’re praying for you all and we will fondly remember Bob always.