Robert L. Proulx

Robert L. Proulx, loving husband, devoted Pop, selfless educator, and a beloved icon of the Plainville community, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the age of 94.

Born on August 17, 1930 in Manchester, New Hampshire, Bob was the only child of the late Joseph and Robertine (Kerouac) Proulx, relocating to Connecticut in his teens.  After graduating from Plainville High School, he pursued his love for learning at Central Connecticut State College-then known as the Teacher’s College of Connecticut, and later earned additional degrees from the University of Hartford and Hillsdale College. A proud veteran, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict before returning home to build a life devoted to family and service. 

From the moment he met Evelyn (Ghezzi), it was love at first sight — the beginning of a storybook romance that would become the foundation of a beautiful life together for sixty-two years. Their bond was something extraordinary, filled with laughter, mutual admiration, and a shared love for Broadway, Opera and symphonies. Whether in the front row of a concert hall or clapping from the bleachers, his joyful spirit and resounding "bravo!" could be heard, a testament to the infectious energy he carried through life.

Together with Evelyn, he raised their six children in the town he cherished, instilling in them the values of kindness, dedication, and love for community. His circle of friendships, formed on baseball fields, in classrooms, and at community events, stretched across generations, and stood the test of time. 

He touched the lives of countless students as a teacher, principal, and baseball coach, always believing in the potential of every child who walked through the school doors. His long and impactful career in education culminated in his role as Principal of Linden Street School, where he retired in 1992. To this day, the halls of Linden Street echo with his legacy of compassion, fairness, and unshakable belief in the power of education.

A member of the Rotary Club of Plainville, he embodied the club’s motto, “Service Above Self,” in every facet of his life. Whether mentoring a young teacher, supporting a local fundraiser, or offering a warm smile to a passerby, he gave freely of himself to others, never seeking recognition - only connection.  He was the heart of his family, the soul of his community, and a man who left the world better than he found it.

He is survived by his children, David and his wife, Lina, Tom, Marianne and her boyfriend Paul, Michael and his wife, Maryann, Joanne and Suzy and her sweetheart, Gino Pease; along with his three grandchildren, Evan, Spencer and Olivia and his great-granddaughter, Mila.

In lieu of flowers, Bob may be remembered with contributions to the Robert L. Proulx Scholarship Fund c/o Linden St. School, 69 Linden St., Plainville CT 06062.

The family would like to thank Heather Mudano, his pcp from UConn Geriatrics, Gerald Nadeau and Sarah Bender from SLP at HOCC and all the members of our Hartford Healthcare at Home team, especially:  Kelly, Sara, Armand, Valerie, Amanda, Megan, Laura, Ayesa, Cindy, Peter and Nicole, for being such a bright part of Dad's life and allowing him to enjoy his final years in his beloved Hollyberry Lane house. We'd also like to send a special thank you to Alexandra Burnet for loving and caring for Dad, to Kathryn DePucchio for taking those middle of the night phone calls and sharing her medical knowledge when new situations arose, and to Wes Haskell for making those last moments so full of care and comfort.

Family and friends may gather in celebration of Bob’s life on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 11:30 a.m., meeting directly at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Bristol.  Committal services with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery Plainville.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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