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Robert J. Copley

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Robert, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2021 at the age of 89.  Robert was born in Torrington, CT on May 27, 1931 to Irene (née Makowski) and John J. Copley.
He graduated from Torrington High School, then opened his own business, Copley’s Auto Magic Car Wash.  He sold his business and started college at the University of Hartford and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 1966.  He then went on to earn two Master’s Degrees - one in Education and another in Supervision and Administration.  He started the Distributive Education Program (Marketing) at Naugatuck High School, where he taught until 1992. In 1983 he was honored by the state of Connecticut and the Sears Roebuck Foundation as teacher of the year.  
He retired to Sun City West, Arizona in 1992 and became very active in golf, ten-pin bowling and especially lawn bowling, where he was a champion lawn bowler.  He often participated in tournaments throughout the country.  
Robert is survived by his wife, Genevieve (née Bilas) of 61 years; a son, Rob Copley of Palm Beach, FL; and a daughter, Melissa Copley and her husband, William Miller of Clearwater, FL.  He is also survived by his sister, Jean Gioiele of Westfield, MA as well as several nieces and nephews.  
Robert was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.