Robert Earl Lasko

The New York Yankees lost their most devoted fan when Robert Earl (“Bob”) Lasko, of Fairfield passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024 at the Gladeview Health Care Center, a VA skilled nursing facility in Old Saybrook, CT. He was 96 years old. Born on January 29, 1928, Robert was destined almost from the beginning for a life of adventure and challenges. Despite becoming severely ill with rheumatic fever not once but twice in his life (in both cases he was so sick that he received last rites from a Priest), he lived to a ripe old age, outliving most of his contemporaries.  He was truly like the Energizer Bunny, always smiling and giving everyone the greatest hugs. 

He was predeceased by his parents, the late Julius Lasko, Sr. and Elizabeth (King) Lasko, as well as his brother, Julius Lasko, Jr. of Bridgeport. He was also predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Josephine (“Josie”) (Dobler) Lasko of Fairfield; as well as all of Josie’s siblings and their respective spouses on the Dobler side of the family.

He is survived by his daughters, Bonnie Sandor, formerly of Monroe, now residing in Fairfield, and Lori Krysiuk and her husband Michael of Stratford, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, far too numerous to mention.

Robert was a lifelong member of the DAV (Disabled American Vets), having served during World War II. While on base training to become a medical corps man, he was awarded an Honorable Discharge and forced to return home after becoming so ill for a second time with the rheumatic fever.

Robert worked for over 30 years for The Bullard Company in Fairfield as a tool designer in the Engineering Department.  When Bullard closed and moved out of state, he ended his career working in the Maintenance Department for Fairfield University until he was able to retire. 

Bob and Josie loved to travel. Often with Josie’s sister Helen Sabo in tow, they went on all sorts of exciting vacations to far-flung areas: not only within the U.S (California, Hawaii, Florida, upstate New York) but also Europe (London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and of course “The Mother Country”, Hungary, among many others). A born traveler with a love of adventure, Bob always enjoyed regaling the family with tales of faraway places and the mischief he got into there. He always had a ready smile, and a twinkle in those bright blue eyes. He also loved everything about the Hungarian culture, learning to speak and understand Hungarian well enough to get by with relatives visiting from Budapest. Josie, an excellent cook, knew how to make all the Hungarian delicacies, as did her sister Helen.

To add to the romance and fun of their relationship, Robert and Josephine learned all the different ballroom dances. Not only did they enjoy them, but they got really good at it! From that point on, they could be seen everywhere gliding along the dance floor (or the picnic bandstands) at all of the church socials, picnics, and weddings they attended. 

In addition to their enjoyment of travel, Bob and Josie really enjoyed nothing more than casual outdoor cookouts with the family. Nothing fancy – just simple, excellent food, and everyone there.  Rain or shine, nothing got in the way of the Lasko barbecues. Having a two-car garage that wasn’t attached to the house provided the opportunity for all kinds of get-togethers even if the weather was bad (as it often was). Robert and Josie were happiest with everyone sharing food together – all of the aunts and uncles, grandparents, and kids. Along with the American barbecue classics (hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and Mom’s fantastic potato salad), there was also Auntie Helen’s amazing fried chicken, and  Hungarian delicacies such as sutni szalona, kohlbasz, and hurka. 

Bob and Josie were also very involved in the Seniors Group and its activities for their Church, St. Emery’s Roman Catholic Church of Fairfield. Under the leadership and friendship of their priest, Father Robert Nemeth, Robert, Josie, Helen, and their friends enjoyed each other’s company every week in the meeting hall at St. Emery’s. Bob, President of the St. Emery’s Seniors, and Marie Kassay, Treasurer, kept everyone up to date on the latest news and information. Josie and Helen made coffee and brought donuts, while everyone played cards and the occasional board games.

Bob also loved to read, and you could often find him with his nose in a book! He was so well-read on virtually any subject that you didn’t stand a chance against him in a game of trivia. He was also very lucky when it came to the slot machines at the casinos. First with the St. Emery Seniors and his brother-in-law Julius Dobler, and later with his daughter Lori and son-in-law Mike, Bob won plenty of money at both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun….and had a lot of fun in the process. 

In addition to his Yankees, he was a passionate follower of all the local sports. His favorite teams were the New York Giants, the New York Jets (if the Giants weren’t doing so well), and the UCONN Lady Huskies basketball team.

Robert’s family would like to thank the following people on his behalf: Marie McCormick, Nurse/APRN of Cardiac Specialists for her over 25 years of caring attention and advocacy on Dad’s behalf; the VA Hospital; the Disabled American Veterans; and St. Emery’s Church of Fairfield.

Visiting hours are set for 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, June 14th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Frank Polke & Son Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT  06824.   A Catholic mass with full military honors will follow the next morning, Saturday, June 15th, commencing at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT 06825.  All other arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Robert’s name to the charity of your choice.

We love you, Dad.

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