Robert A. Gasparri Sr., 86, of Waterbury, entered into the gates of heaven on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by those he loved. He was the beloved husband of Diane L. (Cookson) Gasparri for over fifty-eight years.
Robert was born in Waterbury on September 2, 1940, a son of the late Anthony J. and Rose M. (Calabro) Gasparri. Growing up in Waterbury, Bob learned from a young age that he loved anything with engines and wheels, the faster and louder the better. At just ten years old he learned to drive a truck at his grandfather’s family business Tony Calabro & Sons. With his wife Diane, Bob later went on to establish his own business, D&R Sand and Plowing.
Serving as union steward for Teamsters Local 677, Bob had some memorable experiences. During the filming in Waterbury of the movie Jacknife, he had the opportunity to work with two movie stars. He personally taught Robert De Niro how to drive a truck for one of his scenes and was Ed Harris’s personal chauffeur. This wasn’t Bob’s only involvement in filmmaking. His 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was selected as a picture car in the filming of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. As a great storyteller, he was never shy to share stories about cars, trucks, and Hollywood.
A true gear-head at heart, Bob loved owning and collecting various Chevrolets throughout his lifetime. Whenever he found another car he wanted to purchase he would often tell his wife, “Look what I bought for you.” Bob was a member of the Italian American Democratic Club and the Pontelandolfo Community Club. Known as “the mayor’ to the Brass City Cruisers, Bob showcased his cars statewide at many car shows and was awarded hundreds of trophies. He was also an avid fan of professional wrestling, particularly the WWF, and was always convinced that what happened in the ring was real, despite what anyone tried to tell him. For many years, Bob also coached basketball and baseball for the East Mountain Athletic Club. Bob was a hardworking man who took great pride in all that he did, but above all else, he adored his family, especially his wife Diane and their four boys. His love and dedication to them were unwavering.
Besides his beloved wife Diane of Waterbury, Bob leaves behind to honor and cherish his memory his four sons, Robert A. Gasparri Jr. and his wife Danielle of Prospect, Anthony J. Gasparri and his wife Andrea of Berlin, CT, Darren M. Gasparri and his wife Michelle of Prospect, and Joseph C. Gasparri and his wife Prasit of Waterbury. He also leaves behind his six grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored, Darren, Robert, Michaela, Anthony, Vittoria, and Olivia Gasparri, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob’s family would like to extend a special thank you to VITAS Hospice on Park Road in Middlebury, especially Stephanie and Joan; as well as home caregivers Mark, Andrea, and Sue. They all provided kindness, compassion, and exceptional care to Bob.
Arrangements: A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Prospect. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Calling hours for Robert will be held Wednesday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, who has been entrusted with handling Robert’s funeral arrangements.