Robert Charles Kaeser, 96, a lifelong resident of Stratford, Connecticut, and a retired executive of General Electric Company, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Eileen Spillane Kaeser; his son, Robert Kaeser Jr.; his son-in-law, Dr. Richard Kmetzo; and his loving companion of many years, Jane Kaeser.

He is survived by his three children, Patricia Vogel and her husband Eric, Lorrie Craw and her husband Jeffrey, and John Kaeser and his wife Maggi, as well as his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael Kmetzo and his wife Lizzy, and their sons Charlie and Connor; Robert Kmetzo and his wife Renee, their son James, and baby boy, William, arriving in the coming weeks; Christina Donovan and her husband John, and their children Jack, Jamison, and Catherine; Jessica Madden and her husband Nick, and their son Patrick; Jeffrey Craw Jr.; Gwen, Nicole, and Gregory Kaeser and their mother, Ginny Noel; Eileen and Meghan Kaeser; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Thiel.

Family was at the heart of Bob’s life. He took enormous pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. He especially loved the family’s trips to Disney World, family gatherings and the many memories created together over the years. He was immensely proud to reach the age of 96 and often spoke with gratitude about the family he had built. As Bob simply put it, “I had a full life.”

Bob graduated from Stratford High School in 1947, second in his class. He received the Bausch & Lomb Medal for excellence in mathematics and science and was awarded a scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also placed third in the State of Connecticut on the two-day examination for the United States Naval Academy. Bob began working the day after graduation, and his determination and natural talent quickly opened doors. He was hired by General Electric for its four year Apprentice Tool & Die Training Program, while simultaneously completing four years at Bridgeport Engineering Institute, now part of Fairfield University.

Bob went on to build an extraordinary 42-year career with General Electric, holding numerous engineering and management positions before retiring in 1990 as Plant Manager. During his career, he oversaw manufacturing, plant operations and all support functions, including sales, marketing and engineering, which employed approximately 1,000 people during his tenure.

His accomplishments, however, were only one part of the man he was.

Bob had a lifelong passion for flying. At just 15 years old, during World War II, he joined the Civil Air Patrol and eventually became a cadet captain, helping lead the Stratford squadron. It was through the Civil Air Patrol that he met a young Irish girl named Eileen Spillane. That meeting began a love story that would become one of the most important chapters of Bob’s life.

As an only child, Bob was especially grateful for the way Eileen’s large Irish family welcomed him. He spoke with great affection about the Spillanes, particularly his mother-in-law, Catherine, and would often say, “I loved that lady and all of them.”

After retiring at 60, Bob & Eileen embraced the opportunity to enjoy life together, spending time with their grandkids and traveling domestic & international. Bob treasured those years. His only regret was that Eileen had passed away so suddenly at age 67. She was the greatest love of his life. From then on, Bob remained active and engaged. He volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Societyand was involved with several GE and local organizations. He was a former member of the Gaelic-American Club and Brownson Country Club. He was an avid reader, a talented artist, a gifted organ player, and a wonderful cook. He enjoyed helping his sons with their home-building business and was always willing to lend a hand.

Above all, Bob will be remembered for his warmth, determination, humor, and deep devotion to his family. He lived a long and wonderfully full life, and his greatest pride was the family and friendships that surrounded him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Bob was an ardent supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mark Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2. The family will greet guests from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.