Victor B. Rook Sr. 96, of Middletown, beloved father and companion, passed away peacefully at home on January 28th. He was born February 12th, 1928 on Timberhill Rd. in Cromwell. He was the son and 10th child of the late John M. & Teresa (Scharmer) Rook. He was predeceased by his beloved brothers and sisters: Hedwig Kelly, Theresa Gobar, Mary Czaja, Helen Aubin, Anna Whitney, Francis Rook, John Rook Jr., Rev. Paul Rook, Albert Rook, Andrew Rook, Anthony Rook, Peter Rook. He attended St Johns School in Middletown, St. Thomas school in Bloomfield, and was a graduate of Middletown High Trade School. Victor served his country in World War II in the Army Infantry Motor Division. And later, apprenticed under the GI bill of rights in auto body repairs and painting. He founded Victor Auto Body in 1953 and went on to be a dynamic self-made business man. In 1957 he married his late wife Shirley (Peterson) Rook. They were proud parents of the late Victor B. Rook, Jr., Tyler P. Rook, Sandra A. Bellmore, Kristen M. Sopelak, and the late Matthew A. Rook. He became owner of Victor Oldsmobile, GMC and Fiat dealership, Ugly Duckling Rent-a-Car, Kwick Carwash, Crestline Motel and various real estate properties. He was past president of Middlesex Toastmasters Club, Middlesex Auto Dealers and Repair Association, director of Greater New Haven Auto Body Association, Commissioner of Westfield Fire Dept., Corporator of Liberty Savings Bank and a Notary Public; also attending Oglethorpe University in Atlanta for General Motors.
Victor was a proud Grandfather to Victor lll, Daniel, Benjamin, Meredith, Joshua, Garrett, Maralyn & Jonathan. And a proud great grandfather to Leila, Summer, Riley, Hunter and Branden. Godfather to Kathy Rook, and a longtime companion of Patricia Freeland. He was affectionately named Big Daddy, Big Cheese, Grandpa and Great Popa. He was a great friend and mentor to many in his lifetime. John Ristano, Michael Giuliano, Iver & Marjorie Peterson, Bill & Ethel Vasiliou & family, Jim Sinclair, Vern & Barbara Hunter, Jim Perini to name a few. He enjoyed boating and fishing as the Captain of the Seabird with his family and friends for many years. He loved to play the accordion like his father since he was a young boy and was still playing polkas into his nineties.
Victor’s smile would light up a room, his words of wisdom, his laughter, jokes and love for everyone was infectious! He was a living legend and will be greatly missed by all his family and loved ones forever! Please join us in a celebration of life for Victor.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, February 12th at 11 a.m. at St John’s Church in Cromwell. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown, followed by a reception lunch at Campagna Restaurant, 151 Marlborough St, Portland, CT 06480. Calling hours will be at Lastrina Family Funeral home, 491 High Street, Middletown, on Tuesday, February 11th from 5-7pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Victor’s name to St Johns Church, 5 St Johns court Cromwell, CT 06416.
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