Blue Back Developer and Philanthropist Robert Wienner has died.

Submitted 

Robert (Bob) Wienner of Litchfield and Farmington, Connecticut, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024, after a brief battle with brain cancer. He was 74.

Born on Feb. 8, 1950, in Birmingham, Michigan, Bob was the beloved eldest son of James and Marilyn (Sandorf) Wienner and an admired older brother to Tom Wienner and Wendy Romanow. He was raised in a warm home always abuzz with activity, including spirited discussions around the dinner table, fueled by Bob’s insatiable curiosity, natural intellect, and subtle sense of humor.

Bob attended Wesleyan University (Class of ’71) as an undergraduate, followed by law school at Boston University (Class of ’74). He developed a passion for politics and constitutional law, interning for Senator Abe Ribicoff in Washington, D.C. During his undergraduate years, he married Wendy Lyon, with whom he spent 35 years as partners and remained friends to the end. Together, they raised two boys, David (38) and Jonathan (34).

Although he spent the better part of a decade practicing law, Bob ultimately transitioned to real estate development, which proved to be the perfect fit. He could envision the possible, assemble the right team, and build consensus before any shovel touched the ground. He was motivated by a sincere desire to create better places for people to work, play, and live. His visionary creation of Blue Back Square in West Hartford, Connecticut, stands as one of many transformational projects he inspired.

But Bob will be remembered not for what he did but for who he was. He was proud of his boys, smitten by his grandchildren, devoted to his siblings, valued by friends. He listened without judgment and gave generously, expecting nothing in return. Always caring. Always thoughtful. Always kind.

Bob loved scotch and he loved sports – often at the same time. He was fiercely loyal to the Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue), Detroit Lions, and Boston Red Sox, though he would graciously concede a loss, as long as it was a good game. He played golf, often at Wampanoag Country Club where he was a member for many years, was an avid reader, enjoyed travel, and had a keen interest in politics. Among his many philanthropic endeavors, he served for several years as a Board Member for the United Way of Connecticut and championed the development of affordable housing as Chair of Trout Brook Realty Advisors and Governor Lamont’s Task Force on Transit-Oriented Development in Fairfield County.

But, nothing gave Bob greater satisfaction than doing for, giving to, and gathering with the people he loved.

At the top of that list was Anthea Disney. They married last year after courting like teens. She brought him immeasurable joy and comfort, holding hands from beginning to end. He wanted for nothing, except more time.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his sons, David (Michelle) and Jonathan, his brother Tom (Jane), his sister Wendy Romanow (Seth), nieces Carly (Omid Memarian), Liza White (Dr. Charles), and Ali Romanow, and nephew Adam Wienner (Ceanne). And by his beloved grandchildren, Nora and James Wienner and Grace Bagley.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and always live on in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT, 06810 or at RegionalHospiceCT.org. Plans for a Celebration of Life have not yet been finalized.

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