Robert M. Davis, co-founder of the Windjammers Sailing Club, dies at age 96

Robert M. Davies (Bob) of Milford, loving husband of the late Irene Finlay Davies, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in Milford Hospital.

He was born in Peabody, MA, June 6, 1916, son of the late Lloyd G. and Marian P. Davies. Prior to his retirement in 1994, he was employed with Sargent and Co. in New Haven, in the engineering dept. of Chance Vought Aircraft, Stratford, where the gull wing Corsair was built, and vice-president of Lindquist Supply, builders hardware division, of Bridgeport.

In this latter capacity, he worked as a consultant, along with architects, on many building projects, such as office buildings, hospitals and schools, including one in Saudi Arabia. He was a graduate of West Haven High School, class of 1933, and was a member of their first swim team. He later swam for the New Haven Boys Club, and won long-distance races swimming backstroke.

Bob experienced his first plane ride in an open cockpit bi-plane, in 1934. He was an avid sailor, having sailed since twelve years of age, and a co-founder of the Windjammers Sailing Club. With his wife Irene, as crew, he was the winner of numerous races, including the Faulkner's Island overnight race, on two occasions. Bob was also a 50 year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He sang in several quartets, including The Elm Chords and The Four Tune Tellers, performing up and down the East coast and Canada.

Bob and his wife were also enthusiastic skiers, and along with friends, were the builders of three ski lodges in Southern Vermont. He is survived by his three daughters, Carolee Holter, Judith Davies, and Lorrie Davies, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother Richard Davies and sister Nancy Yetman. 

A wake will be held Monday January 28, 2013 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. A funeral home prayer service will be held Tuesday at 11:30 am.

Interment will follow in Kings Highway Cemetery Milford. Contributions may be made to American Diabetes Assoc. 200 White Plains Rd. Tarrytown, N.Y. 10591. Or The American Lung Association