Robert A. (Sr.) States

Robert A. States, Sr., 91; of Marlborough, CT, died peacefully on March 14th with his loving companion, Birgitta O’Brien by his side. He was 91 years old.  He was born in Boston, MA on March 19, 1932. His parents, Earl H. States and Rosita A. States instilled in him a passion for learning and education. He graduated from Boston University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a radio operator in the 1343rd Engineer Combat Battalion in Korea for 2 years. After being discharged from the Army, he attended Bentley School of Accounting and Finance and received a degree in accounting and later received his Juris Doctor degree at Western New England College School of Law in 1968. Bob had an exemplary career with the Internal Revenue Service in Connecticut and was recruited by Aetna Life & Casualty to lead their tax department. He rose through the executive ranks to become the first African American officer of the company as Director of Income Taxes and Corporate Accounting. When he retired in 1993, he established his own tax practice, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own business. He was also active in the community, serving as a Chair of the Economic Development Commission in East Hampton, CT and on the board of the YMCA in Middletown, CT. He also taught accounting at Middlesex Community College for many years. Bob will be remembered for his love of life and his intense intellectual curiosity. An avid reader and global traveler, he was a lifelong learner. His hobbies included amateur radio, flying, technology and sports including golf and skiing. He instilled his love of learning in all his children and grandchildren.         Robert States was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Eva D. States; his parents, Earl H. States and Rosita A. States; and his brother Ronald A. States and his wife Dorothy States. He is survived by his three children, Lauren C. States (Kenneth J. Creary,) Dr. Lisa J. States (Kevin Hamel) and Robert A. States, Jr. (Nereissa States); his five grandchildren: Rachel M. Creary, Steven Hamel, Eva Hamel, Niya States, and Nathan States.                       Bob was a treasured presence in the lives of the O’Brien family: Birgitta O’Brien, Christina O’Brien and Nancy Bean, Ingela O’Brien and daughter Sydney Pagano, Britta Lower-Pierce and Heather Lower Pierce, and Kali Lower and partner Michael McCauley. His kindness, generosity and wisdom will forever be remembered by all who knew him. Though gone from our sight, his memory will continue to live on in our hearts. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Marlborough Congregational Church, 35 South Main Street, Marlborough, CT 06447 on Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the memorial donations may be made to: The Marlborough Congregational Church - https://mcc.marlcongchurch.org/donate/ The Thurgood Marshall College Fund - https://www.tmcf.org/online-gift/ The American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNELYZXFBW

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