MERIDEN, Conn., and VERNON, Conn. – Robert Barton Tweedie of passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. He was born May 10, 1924, in Mars Hill. A child of the Depression, he held many jobs to support his growing family, machinist, butcher, shop keeper and finally Aetna Insurance. Proudly answering his country’s call, he served in the European Theatre with the 8th Armored Division. He maintained lifelong friendships with his fellow soldiers, traveling throughout the country attending many reunions throughout the years. A world traveler, Robert sailed through the Panama Canal, crossed the International Dateline twice and built friendships and memories in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South America, Canada and the Caribbean. Always carrying a cribbage board with him, “from a mile away” he could spot a fellow player or someone willing to learn “the Game of Kings.” He played weekly tournaments in Meriden, Conn., and Vernon, Conn. His infectious love of the game transcended social, political, generational and economic boundaries. He was an environmentalist before it became fashionable choosing purchases carefully, making things last, recycling and being most proud of squeezing 55 miles out of a gallon in his diesel Rabbit, much to the chagrin of the drivers behind him. For 56 years, he was an honored member of the Fraternal Brotherhood of the Freemasons, past district deputy and past master of Meridian Lodge 77. He had been a Shriner in good standing since 1954. In his later years, he made weekly trips to the nursing homes in the area, checking up on and running errands for friends and contemporaries, even going as far as the Dominican Republic helping to build a church. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucy Carucci-Tweedie; daughter, Dr. Nancey T. Russo-McSorley of Boston; two sons, Robert Vincent Tweedie of New Haven, Conn., and Thomas Joseph Tweedie of Santa Cruz, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Angela Carucci; a stepson, Stefano Carucci, both of Vernon, Conn.; six grandchildren, Peter, Connor and Ian McSorley, Cooper Thomas Tweedie, Gabriel and Jacob Carucci; a mother-in-law, Nuzia D. DiGennaro; numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws, whom he cared for deeply. He was predeceased by his first wife, Valia Tomassetti Tweedie. A simple memorial with family and friends will be held 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at Smith-Ruzzo Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, Conn., with interment at the family plot at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
ROBERT B. TWEEDIE
