Robert K. Sperry, 86, of Cherry Brook Health Care Center in Canton, formerly of Avon and Southington, was reunited in Heaven with his loving wife Doris on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. Born Dec. 9, 1925 in New Haven, Bob had made a name for himself early on with a promising career in baseball. He started out in the Roanoke Minors in 1943 and was quickly named "The Claw" for his amazing ability as a first baseman. He went on to play with all "the greats," the Scranton Minors in 1944, the Lynn Red Sox in 1946, Wilkes Barre in 1947, and his final stint for the Cleveland Indians as a scout until he took his bride Doris A. Murray, on Oct. 10, 1948. Bob went on and became a self taught businessman, working for a few large companies before settling at Waring Products in New Hartford, retiring from there after 25 years. Besides his love of baseball, he was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing, and of course, family meant everything to him.
He leaves behind his daughter, Sue "Suzy" Sperry Henry of Torrington; his son, David Sperry and his wife Kellie (Trumbull) Sperry of Canton; three grandchildren, Nichole Sperry Pratt and her husband Robert of Torrington, Jefferson Sperry of Torrington and Jenn Long of Hartford and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best friend of over 60 years, Russell Bonderson of Bristol, whom he loved like a brother; many nieces and nephews and his favorite four legged family, Benjamin and Sophie who brought him endless joy. Bob was an amazing, wonderful, loving man who touched the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed dearly.
A memorial service will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice . Please visit Bob's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

Published in The Register Citizen on Jan. 23, 2012